FHS1500

Randy Golding
U2 Essay

OPTION B: MOTHERS AND FATHERS

Except for the birthing process and breast feeding, do you think that a mother's position as a
care giver of an infant or child is biologically different from that of a father? Why? What
examples can you provide that support your answer?
Except for the birthing process and breast feeding, do you think that a mother's position
as a care giver of an infant or child is biologically different from that of a father? In regards to a
care giver, there is unequivocally a biological difference between a mother and a father. For any
adult who has not yet become a parent, I can see this question being difficult, lacking any real
life experience. As a father of four children who are currently between the ages of 11 and 22
years old, I can say from my real-life experience that the roles between a mother and a father are
different and distinct.
Men and women are obviously different biologically. When it comes to parenting we also
have our differences. First, lets look at the animal world. Take a look at almost any animal
species and you will see the differences between a mother and father, for example, the bear
species. After conception, a males (Boar) role is complete. The mother (Sow) will birth her cubs
by herself. After birth, the sow will be the primary caretaker, provider, nurturer, and protector of
her cubs. The boar is not involved with any co-parenting duties.
Human beings are much different than the animal kingdom, however; our roles are still
different and distinct. Women biologically feel different as a parent than a man for obvious
reasons. After conception, the mans role is done. The mothers body is now developing and
solely responsible for creating a baby. The maternal bond from this creation is something that a
male will never experience. After birth, this bond between a mother and child continues and is
something that no male will ever know or experience. The same goes for the father. There is no
woman who will ever know what it feels like to be a father and the bond that a father has with
his children. These differences will affect the way and manner we raise children.
Mothers are worriers. They are, for example, lighter sleepers when they have their baby
in the house. Fathers are less likely to hear a cry at night and more likely to be annoyed than
concerned. I know this to be very true. My wife could sleep through a train going through our
house; however; when one of our children made any type of noise that my wife perceived as
distress, she would instantly wake up, jump out of the bed, and rush to the childs bedroom.
Another difference that endures is caretaking: Mothers engage in more caregiving and
comforting, and fathers in more high intensity play (Kochanska et al., 2008 p. 41). Mothers are
world-class nurturers of infants and toddlers, and they like to do every part of the care. This

includes comforting, caring for the child when sick, buying food or toys, even changing diapers.
Fathers are more exciting: They move their infants limbs in imitation of walking, kicking, or
climbing, or they swing the baby through the air, sideways, or even upside down Berger, 2014,
p. 149). One of my favorite games to play with my children was airplane. Id grab them by the
arm and foot and spin them around in circles, like they were flying. My wife would tell me not to
drop them and I along with my child would be laughing with joy.
In conclusion, it is my opinion that mothers and fathers have two very different and
distinct parenting roles. I believe that both parents roles play a significant part in the healthy
development of an infant and child.
Reference List
Kathleen Stassen Berger (2014) Invitation to The Life Span second edition. New York,
NY.
Kochanska (2008). Child Development, 79, 30-44.