Why we love our children

The next session in 'The Nathaniel Cotton series of talks on anthropology and psychiatry: Cultural Constructs of Mental Illness' Is on 13 March, 7pm at the Octagon, St Peters Church.

The subject is 'Why we love our children and why this might be linked to depression– attachment disorders and the anthropology of parenting and child-rearing, as well as child mortality and grieving.'

Why we love our children might seem obvious but it is a complex mix of biology and culture which is immensely powerful and can be overwhelming, and sometimes, a little confusing. Where does it come from? Why does it feel so intense? How can it lead to mental disorders?

Turns out, the love humans feel for their children is a key to the survival of the homo sapiens species but at the same time there are cultural and psychological elements that are very demanding so it is normal to experience both highs and lows in the parental relationship with children.