i agree with Kulig when he says we discount the role of biology far too often. I think parenting literature needs to focus more often not only on how parents affect children but how children affect parents and that biologically-linked temperament has a lot to do with both. we're getting there with the newer "genetically-senstive" research designs and the shared and non-shared environment work. however, this is more on the individual/family level than on the evolutionary level. not sure how you'd work that into parenting studies! we also must remember that most abuse is committed by biological parents. in fact, biological mothers are the most likely to physically abuse kids. i'm not sure we can go as far as saying humans have an inborn "mothering instinct". just one example i've noticed in friends and family: for anyone who has tried to nurse a baby without a lactation consultant or more experienced family member's training, it doesn't seem to happen naturally for lots of women. you would think evolution would have imbued us with the ability to nurse a baby with no help at all.
-- *********** Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D Assistant Professor of Psychology (Developmental) Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 Phone: (859) 233-8144 FAX: (859) 281-3507 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: http://www.transy.edu/homepages/thowe/ftpdpages/index2.html Another website I created: http://www.scbwi-midsouth.com/ --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
