From the Editor's Desk

Stressed by parenting? Evolution can explain why - BBC Future

From an evolutionary perspective, it is not surprising that many of us felt so overwhelmed raising kids in Covid lockdown. Despite the common idea that modern family life consists of small, independent units, the reality is that we would often benefit from help from others to raise our offspring. For much of human history, extended families provided that help. In contemporary industrialised societies, where smaller family units are common, teachers, babysitters and other caregivers have allowed us to replicate that ancient support network.

This collaborative way of raising children makes us unique among great apes. Called "cooperative breeding", it is more similar to how seemingly more distant species like meerkats and even ants and bees live - and it has given us crucial evolutionary advantages.

Continued here

TradeBriefs: Newsletters for Decision-Makers!

Our advertisers help fund the daily operations of TradeBriefs. We request you to accept our promotional emails.

Want the newsletters, without the promotional mailers?
Get an (ad-free) subscription to TradeBriefs Premium for just $2 per month.