What are genetic and epigenetic factors?

Genetic and epigenetic factors are like instructions that help your body grow and work, some you’re born with, and others can change over time.

Genetic factors are like the blueprint of a toy box. Imagine you have a toy box full of different toys, each toy represents something your body can do, like having curly hair or being good at sports. These toys come from your parents’ toy boxes, so you get some of their traits too.

Epigenetic factors are more like stickers you can add to your toys. They don’t change the toy itself but make it work differently. For example, if you stick a “fast” sticker on your race car, it might zoom faster even though it’s still the same car. These stickers can be added or removed depending on what happens around you, like eating too much candy or getting enough sleep.

So, genetic factors are things you're born with, and epigenetic factors are changes that happen later in life, kind of like how your toy box can get more interesting as you play with it!