# Is your child smarter than average? More attractive? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 5, 2010, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058 "2010-04-05T18:35:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/61 "2010-04-06T20:11:30Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > I would actually expect that as the Dope selects for more intelligent people, we woulds also have a high number of intelligent children. It just makes sense. > > Now, if we all started to insist that our kids had better than average social skills, I might have to :dubious: > > LOL! Well… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![fessie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/62 "2010-04-06T20:29:13Z")
**JohnT** , your Sophie! She’s growing up! And yes, she’s definitely stunning! Wow, I remember her as just a little codger. Time flies. [Here are some pix of my goofballs,](http://www.flickr.com/photos/49078628@N06/4497481735/) who are of course above average in every respect ;)😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2010, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/63 "2010-04-06T20:50:01Z")
My first is pretty smart, slightly cuter than average, and not fantastic at social stuff. My second is two weeks old and it’s too soon to tell.My husband and I are reasonably attractive and pretty intelligent, so I was hopeful we wouldn’t have dumb ugly kids. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2010, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/64 "2010-04-06T22:34:12Z")
My son tests “above average”. His efforts in school are average or below and therefore so are his grades. He’s just entering the pubescent greasy plague phase. In general he favors his dad’s family physically. His dad, when he is taking care of himself can be quite appealing, and _his_ dad was very attractive. At this point he could land on either side of that fence. I’ll let you know. The thing that noone ever says…and if you quote me I’ll deny it, my kid can be sort of abrasive. That’s my answer for the “What are parents working on?” thread. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/65 "2010-04-07T02:04:29Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > No he didn’t? Yes, he did… Sorry, but not every single kid whose picture has been posted so far is drop dead gorgeous. And no, I’m not going to say who. I doubt an impartial observer would disagree. SOME are exceptionally cute, but not _every single one._ I don’t see any really ugly kids but let’s be honest, the parents of the uggos just hide them away and don’t take pictures. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/66 "2010-04-07T02:11:52Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Sorry, but not every single kid whose picture has been posted so far is drop dead gorgeous. And no, I’m not going to say who. I doubt an impartial observer would disagree. > > SOME are exceptionally cute, but not _every single one._ I don’t see any really ugly kids but let’s be honest, the parents of the uggos just hide them away and don’t take pictures. My children, for instance, do not appear in this thread. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/67 "2010-04-07T02:11:56Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Sorry, but not every single kid whose picture has been posted so far is drop dead gorgeous. And no, I’m not going to say who. I doubt an impartial observer would disagree. > > SOME are exceptionally cute, but not _every single one._ I don’t see any really ugly kids but let’s be honest, the parents of the uggos just hide them away and don’t take pictures. Name the kids or STFU. Yeah, that’s right. I’m calling you out, bucko. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/68 "2010-04-07T02:14:08Z")
The Rykid’s IQ exceeds mine. I’m either 128 or 134 depending on how it’s measured. And, I think he’s a rather good-looking dude…if he just wouldn’t _slouch_. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/69 "2010-04-07T02:45:50Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Name the kids or STFU. Yeah, that’s right. I’m calling you out, bucko. [Moderator Note]Not in _this_ forum, you aren’t. Keep it civil, or take it elsewhere.[/Moderator Note] ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/70 "2010-04-07T03:11:22Z")
Er, sorry. Attempt at humor has fallen spectacularly flat. (If something can fall flat spectacularly, that is.) Didn’t mean anything by it. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/71 "2010-04-07T03:34:02Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Er, sorry. Attempt at humor has fallen spectacularly flat. (If something can fall flat spectacularly, that is.) Didn’t mean anything by it. Taken as joke, then. No prob. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/72 "2010-04-07T12:27:33Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > You imply that you are stunning. Got cite? Heh. Not really what I meant, but I see what you mean. I meant that as I got older I sort of grew into my features and looked much better than I did when I was younger. But considering her mother’s genes, I suspect my daughter will surpass even that and become quite attractive as she gets older. And no, I don’t post pics of myself online. Or any of my kids, for that matter. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/73 "2010-04-07T15:09:52Z")
I answered on behalf of Moon Unit, who _is_ above average in intelligence per all the tests (so it’s not just my opinion). I think she’s cute but a more objective observer would probably call her average. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/74 "2010-04-07T16:09:08Z")
One daughter, age 22, college graduate, and of course she’s blindingly brilliant, look who she has for parents! She is an insufferable know-it-all on most subjects, of course, impatient, quick-witted, and as I am much the same, I bear it patiently…She is also very thin and pretty, but not in a cute bimbo way. She resembles a prettier, goth-ier Christina Ricci. Right now she is deep into ‘hipster’ mode. Wherever we go, boys and men swivel their heads around as we pass by (and I’m fairly certain they aren’t eyeballing Mr. Sali or me! :D). So, yeah, more intelligent and pretty than average, you bet! I wonder, are there any parents anywhere who wouldn’t say the same about their kids? ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/75 "2010-04-07T17:03:14Z")
Both my daughters were tested in school and considered above average academically. My oldest ( **BloodyL** ) is brilliant and so very modest. My younger daughter has a severe language disorder, testing at 2.5 years old with language but even still is considered above average. Looks-wise they are both cute girls with round faces and pleasant features. My oldest has gorgeous dark auburn curls and the younger one has straight full black hair. I don’t think either is “above average” looking but they aren’t below, and cuteness plays a big part when I determine someone’s looks and they are both cuties. To me, of course, they are both breathtakingly beautiful but my opinion is surely biased. 🙂 I would post a photo of **BloodyL** but I don’t have her permission…and I was about to post one of the little princess but they’re both on the same flickr account so I shall wait. ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2010, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/76 "2010-04-08T21:43:44Z")
When I worked at a Hobby Shop for four years, we’d get alot of parents coming in buying things for their kids. When they’d asked for help buying a gift for their little Stewie. I’d have to ask a few questions first. One was boy or girl and how old their child was. I’d got his answer 99% of the time little Billy or Betty is 12 years old but is above average in intelligence and is more suited for items in the 14-16 year old range. Of course. One instance I had a parent want to buy a RC helicopter for his 12 year old, now I’m not talking about your typical radio shack $50 RC helicopter. This is the $1800.00 limb severing version. I asked the parent if he would be with him at all times while he’s operating it. He vehemently stated of course not, he’s smart enough to fly it. In the end I had to refuse to sell it to him. Only one instance did I have a parent who stated his kid is a little slow. So the results of this poll is not surprising, thanks for the laugh. ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2010, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/77 "2010-04-08T22:30:29Z")
cuter/smarter. [Link](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dd-jHIB18ZI/S3glA0eOJmI/AAAAAAAADkM/rvf9PXX0O84/s400/DSC_0010+copy.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Shmendrik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Shmendrik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shmendrik)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2010, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/78 "2010-04-08T22:59:38Z")
> [@Ibanez](#): > > When I worked at a Hobby Shop for four years, we’d get alot of parents coming in buying things for their kids. When they’d asked for help buying a gift for their little Stewie. I’d have to ask a few questions first. One was boy or girl and how old their child was. I’d got his answer 99% of the time little Billy or Betty is 12 years old but is above average in intelligence and is more suited for items in the 14-16 year old range. Of course. > > One instance I had a parent want to buy a RC helicopter for his 12 year old, now I’m not talking about your typical radio shack $50 RC helicopter. This is the $1800.00 limb severing version. I asked the parent if he would be with him at all times while he’s operating it. He vehemently stated of course not, he’s smart enough to fly it. In the end I had to refuse to sell it to him. > > Only one instance did I have a parent who stated his kid is a little slow. > > So the results of this poll is not surprising, thanks for the laugh. I’d like to play devil’s advocate here, re. this post and the implicit purpose of the thread in general. Children whose parents buy them gifts from a “hobby shop” rather than Walmart may well tend to have above average intelligence. Similarly, it has been suggested that the average Doper’s IQ is significantly higher than the national average, which would lead one to believe that their children are more intelligent than average. A weaker argument could be made for looks, based on Doper demographics. ETA: For both looks and intelligence, selection bias of responders is also a factor. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2010, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/79 "2010-04-09T02:05:02Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Well aside from posting here qualifying you as one of the smartest people on the planet, and so logically, your kids as well, posting here also means your kids are \*better looking \*than other people’s. No :dubious: for that? We adopted, so the Firebug has the advantage, looks-wise, of _not_ having a bunch of his dad’s genes. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![fessie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2010, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058/80 "2010-04-09T14:10:34Z")
There’s another bias to this poll – you didn’t ask if our kids drove us out of our tree with their (creative & clever) shenanigans, if they were good at sports, if they shared toys well, if they managed to get through playdates without punching their little friends, if they got into trouble at school, if they did thoughtful things for their grandmother, if they embarrassed us in public with their behavior and/or remarks, if they still picked their noses/wet their beds/ refused to eat vegetables, etc. Just because I think my kids are attractive and intelligent doesn’t mean I think I’ve got this parenting thing down. Or that my kids are Superior Beings. I’m crazy mad in love with my children - I have to be, to spend so much time and energy on them. And yet still, I know they’re far from perfect. Sometimes we clash horribly. I’m still learning how to be a mom, y’know. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-child-smarter-than-average-more-attractive/535058.md?page=5)