If you’re a parent, congratulations. You have the delight of bringing new life into the world with all the accompanying hopes and dreams, joys and struggles. It is an experience of flourishing in the fullness of life. Research coming out of Rutgers Health and Yale University suggests it is also a “brain-changing” experience. Although your teen may think you’ve lost a few brain cells, this study reveals that you’ve actually increased brain connectivity in key areas. That’s right, the experience of parenting increases brain connectivity and that connectivity directly opposes typical age-related brain changes. Even better, this benefit increases with each additional child.

Specifically, parents with children tend to have stronger connectivity in brain areas involved in movement and sensation (areas that typically decrease as we age). Raising children enriches our world socially, physically, and cognitively. Parenthood opens many opportunities for parents to become more active in all these areas.  it also contributes to the overall expansion of our social network and making more frequent family visits. As a result, physical activity, social connection, and mental stimulation all increase. In turn, a parent’s brain is strengthened. So don’t let your teen fool you. You’ve gained brain power as a parent. Congratulations.