A viral TikTok raises questions about the reality of mother’s intuition and its scientific basis, sparking a lively discussion among experts.
New York: Recently, a TikTok video went viral where a user shared how her mom’s bad dream saved her from a shooting at a bar. This got over 44,000 people chiming in with their own stories about mother’s intuition. Some shared tales of their moms having a bad feeling before tragic events, like the Manchester bombing during an Ariana Grande concert.
But is this intuition real or just coincidence? Experts are weighing in. They say there’s not much research to back up the idea of mother’s intuition, mainly because these experiences are so personal. Some think it might come from attachment theory, which looks at how kids bond with their caregivers.
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, suggests that kids naturally seek comfort from their caregivers during tough times. This bond can make moms more aware of their child’s needs. Licensed therapist Mayra Mendez explains that this gut feeling develops over time. The more a caregiver connects with their child, the better they can read their cues.
Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, a psychologist, adds that parents often learn to interpret their child’s cries in ways others might miss. They can tell if their kid is hungry or needs a diaper change, which builds trust in their instincts. He also mentions that genetics might play a role, as parents go through hormonal changes during pregnancy that could enhance this intuition.
Interestingly, both experts agree that this intuition isn’t just for biological moms. Mendez points out that not all babies get that bonding experience with their biological mothers. Lira de la Rosa has seen adoptive parents report similar feelings of intuition, showing that it’s more about the quality of the caregiver-child relationship than just biology.
They also note that caregivers outside the home can develop this bond too. It’s all about spending time together and being attuned to the child’s needs. So, it’s not just about being a mom; it’s about forming connections.
In the end, while we might not have a clear answer on whether mother’s intuition is real, it’s clear that the bond between a parent and child can lead to a deeper understanding of each other. Stories of moms having strong feelings about their kids’ safety might seem unexplainable, but they highlight the importance of that connection.
One thing is for sure: whether it’s real or just perceived, mother’s intuition can be beneficial. A study found that moms who felt more in tune with their kids also reported higher life satisfaction. The more confidence a mom has in her ability to respond to her child’s needs, the better she can do it.