The idea may seem startling because a dimming of brain power is still viewed as a side effect of motherhood. 'It does seem counter-intuitive,' added Lambert. 'We just haven't noticed it because these boosts are masked by sleep deprivation. It wasn't until I had a baby that I realised what is involved in having a child and how organised a female has to be. It makes sense for her body to boost her mental capacities.'
But if mothers get a boost from parenthood, is the same true for fathers? Lambert says yes, but to a more limited extent. 'A man won't get a hormone boost, but if he is an involved father he will gain through sharing the challenging experience of childraising.'
For me, the interesting thing will be seeing how -and if- this gets into the discussions about parental leave and career breaks. It's also an interesting 'confirmation' or example of the principle of obliquity which in Christian terms might be illustrated by 'seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.' or 'whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'
The Observer | UK News | Want to boost your brain power? Just have a baby:
Filed in: parenting, intelligence, women, obliquity
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