A new study shows that dads who spend more time with children are better at understanding their brains than fathers who do not.
Researchers from the University of Essex found that men who want to actively be involved in childcare and enjoy time their kids have a larger hypothalamus – an almond-sized region of the brain that is known to play a key role for attachment and parenting.
It is not clear if the size of the hypothalamus changes in relation to children’s births or if some men have an increase in volume.
However, they hope that their findings will aid in understanding the relationship between children and fathers.
Scroll down for the video
New research has shown that dads who spend time with their kids have a distinct brain structure than fathers who are not as caring (stock photo)
The study involved scanning the brains 50 fathers.
Participants also answered questionnaires regarding their attitudes towards caring for their children and the quality of their time spending with them.
These results showed that the hypothalamus volume of men scoring higher on each questionnaire was greater than those who did not score well.
The hypothalamus (a region about the size of an almond in the brain) is found at the base, close to the pituitary.
It has many key functions including attachment, parenting and homeostasis.
Dr Pascal Vrtička, who led the study, said: ‘In many societies, dads’ involvement in parenting has dramatically increased.
Men want more time with their children and a closer bond.
“They desire to be more involved with their dads and feel confident.
“We’ve now proven that fathers have caregiving beliefs deep in their brains,”
This is a follow-up to a previously conducted study that involved the same 50 dads as well 16 other children. It found that puzzle-solving fathers and kids synchronize their brains.
Researchers from the University of Essex found that men who want to actively be involved in childcare and enjoy time their kids have a larger hypothalamus – an almond-sized region of the brain that is known to play a key role for attachment and parenting
Scans showed that children and fathers were more compatible if men thought they were involved fathers.
Dr Vrtička added: ‘Dads – like mums – are biologically wired to be parents.
Our data shows that fathers have brain anatomy, brain-to-brain synchroy and are more likely to be involved in their children’s lives.
“It seems therefore very pertinent and justified to encourage the importance of dads’ involvement in childcare within a broader social context and support them as much possible.”