Traits Most Likely to be Inherited from Mothers and Fathers

Virtues such as honesty, integrity and tolerance are most likely to come from mothers while courage, laziness and a good sense of direction comes from fathers, a study has found.

While mothers are most likely to be responsible for passing down traits including kindness, reliability and good organisational skills, fathers are likely to be behind your temper, wit and potty mouth.

A love of sport, and also the football team you support is most likely to be inspired by your father, while mothers pass down a love of music and their dancing ability.

It also emerged that more than half of those surveyed share the same interests and hobbies as at least one of their parents, and 22 per cent said that, as a child, they wanted to follow in their parents’ footsteps.

More than one in ten even ended up doing the same, or a similar career as their mother or father.

One in four also said they have used their parents’ success as a benchmark for their own success, with 42 per cent saying they consider their mother or father to be their hero.

The stats emerged in a poll commissioned by Red Bull TV to mark the launch of a documentary which delves into the world of renowned motorcycling family, the Lampkins.

Dougie Lampkin Wheelie Man details the journey of twelve-time world champion winning trial rider Dougie Lampkin as he prepares for his biggest challenge yet: wheeling a complete 37-mile lap of the iconic Isle of Man TT circuit.

Dougie himself comes from a family of champion motorcycle riders. His late father Martin Lampkin and Uncle Arthur Lampkin remain legends of the two-wheel sporting world.

Dougie Lampkin said: “I practically grew up on a trial bike. My father’s own history and success in the sport was always going to be a reference point for me.

“He was certainly a big part of my career and played a huge hand in helping me achieve my own successes as a professional athlete.

“Without doubt from the moment it seemed actually possible I always wanted to become a world champion like my father.

“I was very lucky to have my father at my side throughout my career, we were a great team and whilst he was a very private man it is clear he was proud of what we achieved together.”

The study – which looked at how 2,000 Brits felt they’d been influenced by their parents – found fathers are most likely to be behind academic talent, intelligence and sporting talent, but will also pass on their anger, bad habits and impatience.

Mothers pass on their zest for life, enthusiasm and forgetfulness along with a tendency to worry and insecurity.

They are also most likely to be responsible for your cooking skills, dress sense, confidence and generosity.

Meanwhile, ambition, discipline and moodiness are most likely to come from fathers, along with a sense of adventure, a good sense of humour and focus.

For some, they are so similar to their parents that six in ten have received comments from others on how alike they are.

And while 34 per cent say the comparisons make them feel proud, one in ten admit they feel embarrassed.

The study showed your reaction to comments about the likeness varies with age, with people becoming prouder and less embarrassed by the comparisons as they get older.

Thirty-two per cent of 18-24-year-olds say comments about being like their parents leave them feeling proud compared to 36 per cent of over 55s.

And while 16 per cent of under 25s feel embarrassment, just six per cent of over 55s feel the same.

But 41 per cent wish they had more traits from their parents, with women more likely to be told they are like a parent than men.

Dougie Lampkin Wheelie Man is available to watch for free, exclusively on redbull.tv or via the Red Bull TV app from today.