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- Science says you’re already wired for fatherhood 👨🏫
Science says you’re already wired for fatherhood 👨🏫
PLUS: Parenting tips from the 1940s
Daniel Hoadley
September 25, 2024
Hi, this is Dan from Dad Psych.
New dad? Freaking out?
Say no more.
Every Wednesday, we break it down so you don’t have a breakdown.
Here’s what we’ll be covering today:
👨🏫 Science says you’re already wired for fatherhood
😂 Parenting tips from the 1940s
🎶 Dad song of the week- Green Day
📹 Dad moment of the week
Science says you’re already wired for fatherhood 👨🏫
It’s official; this is the first period in human history when fathers are raising infants within a partnered relationship. Gone are the days of wam-bam-thank-you-mam and onto the next one. We’ve evolved. Handshakes all around.
Why has this happened?
Well, it’s all down to the ‘parental caregiving network’ in our brains. This network deals with emotional stuff like reward and being on alert, as well as understanding social cues and empathy, all the things we need to connect with and care for our kids.
For moms, the caregiving instinct comes pre-installed and activates during pregnancy to get them ready.
But for dads, it’s a bit different. We have the same tools but ours doesn’t just flip on automatically.
Researchers have found we’ve got to spend time with our kids to activate that ‘dad mode’.
It’s not plug-and-play, but the switch is there, waiting to be flipped.
The scatter plot shows that the connection between the amygdala and STS is stronger in fathers who spend more time alone with their baby each week.
Our advice: If you’re a new dad wondering how on earth you’re going to figure out how to care for your child, take a breath. Spend time with them. Your brain is hard-wired to adapt and figure it out along the way.
Parenting tips from the 1940s 😂
Last week, I came across a real gem from the 1940s.
It’s called The Intelligent Parents Manual, and from what I can tell, it must’ve been pretty highly regarded back in the day—judging by the old library stamp.
Front cover and title page
I tracked down a copy online, and, well... let's just say some of the advice wouldn't exactly go down well today.
What really caught my attention, though, was seeing hints of how our grandparents and great-grandparents raised kids, and realizing that some of their beliefs still hang around today.
In a time now where everyone’s careful not to step on toes, this book just gets right to the point—which the post-war vibe was.
Just a heads-up: I’m not saying I agree with all of it, but it’s definitely an interesting peek into the past.
Enjoy!
Your Grandfather felt the same as you do now, lads. Maybe not the last part though, lol.
Brutal 😂
Lads, please, for the love of God, don’t make your Mrs change her job times so you can have a lie-in.
I dunno, I find this sweet. Having your little one look sharp as you walk in after a long day’s work. Cheers, Momma!
Makes sense, even in 2024. Love it.
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🎶 Dad song of the week
Green Day! Who didn’t love these guys back in the day?
Well, they released an album earlier this year, with an absolute banger on there, ‘Father To A Son.’
No guesses for what it’s about.
Go give it a listen now!
“I never knew a love could be scarier than anger”
Any suggestions for the next track? Drop a reply to the email!
📹 Dad moment of the week
Get that exercise in, young sir.
That’s about it for now, have a great week.
- Dan from Dad Psych
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