Are some women just meant to have children? According to research coming out of Rockefeller Center, there may be some biological evidence that some of us are born with an overwhelming need to mother, and some of us aren’t. And while all of us could be wonderful, nurturing mothers, not all of us “need” to be.
Apparently, the study shows evidence for the existence of a “mom” gene. It is important to note that the study was done with female mice, not female humans. I would like to think that we might be a little more complicated than rodents, although I confess that there are some times when I have strong cravings for cheese, and our children’s playroom often resembles a maze I must navigate in order to get to the washing machine.
The researchers have found a single gene in these mice that is linked to key parenting skills. When the researchers blocked this gene, good moms went bad, to the point where they wouldn’t even protect their young from intruders. Still, I know many moms who came to momhood after careful consideration not some overwhelming drive to reproduce, who would be the first to fight to death defending their offspring. Somehow, the mama bear, or should I saw momma mouse come out when needed with or without an innate gene.
Now, I’ve never thought of myself as one of those women who always wanted to be a mom. Sure I played with dolls, but I also played with toy cars. I dressed my cat up in baby clothes and pushed him around in a doll stroller. I also cut the whiskers off of said cat a few months later in an attempt to play beauty parlor. Do I have the mom gene? Who knows.
Although I never pictured myself with three kids, now I know it was the best thing I ever could have done, and that is what is important.
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