The Science Behind Dads' Bonding With Their Children

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A mother’s affection is well-acknowledged. Her love for the child is unconditional, natural, and instinctive given the fact that she has a biological connection to the baby. But what about a father’s relationship with his children? Fathers love their children as much as mothers do. They may not be as expressive as the mothers are, but love, they do.

So, what explains this bonding? What exactly triggers love in a man for their babies? Let’s reveal the secret for you.

The secret is the oxytocin hormone, otherwise called the ‘love hormone’. When a father shares an intimate relationship (skin-to-skin contact) with his child, the levels of oxytocin increase.

According to a study published in the journal Hormones And Behavior (1), the naturally occurring oxytocin hormone helps in instilling nurturing instincts in the dads. Lead author of the study, James Rilling of Emory University in Atlanta, says that not only mothers but fathers too experience hormonal changes that help in motivating them to love their children.

For the study, the dads were sprayed the hormones through a nasal spray. The researchers then observed increased levels of empathy and reward in the brain (as recorded in the MRI brain scans) when they looked at their kid’s pictures.

Rilling says: “Our findings add to the evidence that fathers, and not just mothers, undergo hormonal changes that are likely to facilitate increased empathy and motivation to care for their children.”

The findings suggest that in the future, oxytocin may be used to stabilize shortcomings in paternal drives such as postpartum depression in fathers.

Dad’s involvement with their kids reduces the chances of illness and death in them while enhancing the child’s cognitive, physical, mental, social, and educational development. Simply speaking, the more involved and loving the dad is, the more successful the children are.

However, not all fathers show the same amount of care and affection for their kids. Rilling says, “I’m interested in understanding why some fathers are more involved in care-giving than others. In order to fully understand variation in caregiving behavior, we need a clear picture of the neurobiology and neural mechanisms that support the behavior.”

While it is imperative for both father and mother to care and bond with their children, it’s interesting to note the association between involved fathers and their children. Here are some of the effects of involved paternal parenting on children:

  • Children are emotionally secure
  • They are better at academics (2)
  • They have a greater social competence, maturity, and ability to relate to others
  • They are popular and liked by others
  • Have better problem-solving skills
  • Are more tolerant and understanding, they adjust well with others at home, work and social settings
  • Have fewer behavioral problems
  • Reduces the rates of teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and crime
  • They are more content with life and are less depressed
  • They are far more successful and have long-term successful marriages

Well, there can’t be anything heart-warming than the father caring for his child like a mother does. But being there for them when they need you the most makes all the difference. Nothing can beat the quality time spent with your children, and a child who receives the love of both the parents is indeed fortunate.

What is the unique relationship you share with your child? Let us know here.

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