The Story How men's brains change when they become dads
Mar 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ben Spencer, Science Editor of The Sunday Times and father of two, highlights how becoming a dad fundamentally alters men's brains, enhancing patience and emotional responses. He shares amusing anecdotes about the chaotic reality of toddler mealtimes, emphasizing the challenges parents face. The conversation also delves into the emotional struggles, like baby blues, that new fathers experience, shedding light on the urgent need for better parental support. Tune in for eye-opening insights into the science of fatherhood!
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WaffleGate
- Ben Spencer's son had a meltdown over how his potato waffles were prepared.
- This tantrum made Spencer reflect on his own reactions as a parent.
Parental Zen
- Parents often exhibit unexpected calmness in situations that would normally elicit a different response.
- Scientists suggest significant brain changes underlie this parental zen.
Maternal Brain Changes
- A study showed significant changes in a mother's brain throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.
- These changes, including grey matter shrinkage, are thought to be brain fine-tuning, not deterioration.