In
a premodern era, all of the women in a family unit took on the
responsibilities of raising children, even if they had not actually
delivered a baby; it was essential to survival, Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and professor at Rutgers University, tells Yahoo Parenting. “She’s
played an important role in helping to raise other people’s children,
which is a very primal, instinctive thing and central to hunter-gatherer
societies,” says Fisher. “Language is supple and can change, and she’s
broadening the definition of parenthood so it’s more inclusive.” Licensed marriage and family therapist Paul Hokemeyer
agrees. “The notion of motherhood need not be restricted to its literal
terms,” Hokemeyer tells Yahoo Parenting. “Mothering involves giving
nurturance and support to the younger generation.” Cattrall may not fit
the definition of a mom, true, but she is making a big contribution by
helping to nurture kids and young adults, he says. Read: Kim Cattrall, has triggered outrage with her recent comments about what it means to be a mom. https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/why-this-sex-and-the-city-stars-comments-about-129080750672.html
