"Happy Genes" Anyone?

Dr Alberto Halabe Bucay of research centre Halabe and Darwich, Mexico is of the opinion that parental behavior affects children and helps in shaping their character.

A wide range of chemicals, such as endorphins and hormones, that our brain generates when we are in different moods, affects the germ cells - the sperm and the egg -, and this may, in turn, affect the temperament of the child. 

Chemicals generated during different emotions, such as depression or happiness, can impact the germ cells and make lasting impressions on the child, while it is being conceived. Marijuana and heroin are also known to have significant effects on sperm and eggs, thereby altering the patterns of genes that are active in them. 

Making Babies

One needs to keep a check on one's lifestyle while making babies. Consumption of drugs like marijuana and heroin can affect the babies. For that matter even alcohol consumption and smoking can affect the moods of your child.

So if the scientist's discovery is true then couples should make a conscious effort to keep them selves happy while trying to start a family. Depression, anger, happiness could have a lasting impact on an unborn child!

Sexologist, Rajan Bhosle says, "A happy state of mind increases the possibility of conception, as the feel good hormones positively affect the production of sperms. Besides it is a well known fact that the mental state of a pregnant woman affects the mental state of a child. This is why elders in the family always advice us to be in happy state of mind."

Happy Atmosphere

Some celebrities beg to differ with Halabe. Hair stylist and wife of Farhan Akhter, Adhuna says, "More than happiness being genetic, it has got a lot to do with the upbringing. For a kid to be happy and bright there should be love and happiness in the house. One should be emotionally stable and not fight like cats and dogs in the house because all negativity in the house can create a lasting impression in a child's behavior. A parent needs to be a good example in front of kids. Giving a child good values is the duty of parents."

It is very important to spend quality time with kids no matter how much busy you are. Parents should organize their lives in such a way that children get enough attention and are able to interact with their parents and share everything with them. Children need a healthy balance between school and play. It is through some play and hobby time that you can see the talents and abilities of your children.

Parents as Role Models

Happiness is a state of mind. It is the duty of parents to create a happy environment in the house.

Parents can play a crucial role in helping kids develop habits that lead to happy joyful living. Create 'happy hours' at home when the full family gets together and plays a common game or watches a fun movie together. Make it a routine to take your child to the park or to some hobby class in the evening no matter how much homework a child has. Unconditional love helps foster self-confidence. Try and create an atmosphere at home in which your child feels secure, happy and most importantly cared for. If you are in the habit of being grumpy it is likely that your child's spirits too are often dampened and, eventually, he develops a grumpy temperament.

Give children enough recognition for their good behavior or good performance in school or any other activity. At the same time don't overdo anything. Give the child the confidence to fight their own battles at the same time be there for them to guide them in the right direction. Parents need to be disciplined first to bring up disciplined and happy kids. There cannot be a fixed recipe to bring up happy kids, but it is important to create a happy atmosphere to bring up happy, confident and loving kids.

Happy genes are yet to be discovered and while the scientific community works hard at it, let us not underestimate the impact of our immediate ambiance in shaping our lives.

Don't worry, stay happy and have healthy babies!

Source-Medindia