I think that you have it all wrong, going with the analytical outlet. I once had a professor who told me that I was too analytical.
It comes down to the psychology that young animals prefer the soft cuddly, familiar and reassuring parental model over the rough one that feeds and protects them. Ie, to love "versus" hate, which, incidentally, is a gateway to love.
Not a matter even of competing for attention, or, of jealously, and the like.