Parenting Rewires the Male Brain

[Lians]

http://news.sciencemag.org/brain-behavior/2014/05/parenting-rewires-male-brain

 

Cultures around the world have long assumed that women are hardwired to be mothers. But a new study suggests that caring for children awakens a parenting network in the brain—even turning on some of the same circuits in men as it does in women. The research implies that the neural underpinnings of the so-called maternal instinct aren't unique to women, or activated solely by hormones, but can be developed by anyone who chooses to be a parent.

 

Not exactly shocking news but it's nice to have some empirical evidence. Pushing back against media attacks on dads is a lot easier when you have science on your side.

[tasmlab]

I found this true, personally.  Everything from how I sense danger, to fear of dying, to what makes me choke up or laugh, to how I think of money, on and on, all seriously transformed when I became a parent.

 

I'd be interested to hear what happens to dad's how don't get the time in, either because they are absent, divorced, traveling or merely going to work 60 hours a week.  If they don't get the rewiring, they may end up being crappier dads.