What is the scientific reason we are so attached to our kids?
In: Biology
Do you mean what is actually happening on a physiological level, or why do we have this physiology?
The why is easier to answer. We are mammals, and like most mammals we have a strong social structure that ensures our own survival. Without care, our children would die. We are biologically driven to provide that care. Procreation is the ultimate goal of our stupid monkey brain – and procreation is only complete when our children are successfully raised into independent adults.
*How* we are driven to provide that care is rather more complicated. It’s a mix of hormones and neurological impulses.
A big part is that we are literally wired up to find small humans cute – and therefore worthy of care and protection. It’s actually the same reason we find puppies cute. Large eyes, disproportionately large head, sporadic movements, soft to touch, high-pitched mews. These are the features of our newborns. These are what activates the “oh, that’s cute” impulse in our brain. Add in some parent-child pheromones, some hormonal changes that happen when you procreate, and you’re off to the races.
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