Children of Same Sex Parents - What Do Studies Show? 20 November 2014.

One thing I hear often is that children of same sex parents are at a disadvantage. I often hear that their parent’s sexuality will do them damage in the long run. It’s interesting to note that no studies have shown this, in fact, studies have shown the exact opposite. In many ways, these children fare much better than children who are raised by heterosexual parents. Studies show that around 1%-2% of gay marriage will end in divorce. The traditional marriage divorce probability rate is around 33%. Children raised by same sex parents will have a much lower risk of being exposed to divorce than children of heterosexual parents, increasing the stability of their home and likelihood of a long lasting family structure in their home.

Studies have reported that children with same sex parents are more connected at school, more likely to talk about emotionally difficult issues and subjects, more compassionate, embrace tolerance more and are more resilient. These children have been found to be above average in health and emotional well-being. They score 6% higher on average in areas of general health and family cohesion. Studies have also shown these children have no issues building relationships with friends, either. These children have also been shown to be psychologically stronger than children raised by heterosexual parents. Furthermore, these children were found to rate significantly higher in academics. These children do not suffer a single disadvantage compared to children raised by heterosexual parents.

It has been found that the quality of relationship between the parent and the child is better than children with heterosexual parents and the quality of relationships with other adults in the child’s life are better when compared to children with heterosexual parents. Children of same sex parents are not more likely to engage in early sexual activity than children of heterosexual parents. In fact, a study found that children of lesbian parents engaged in sexual activity later than children of heterosexual parents. Children of same sex parents show no difference in terms of gender identity or gender role behavior when compared to people raised by heterosexual parents. They show no difference in preference of games, toys or activities. Studies have found that these children are no more likely to be gay than children with heterosexual parents.

References:

"AAMFT Therapy Topics." Same-sex Parents and Their Children. Web.  <http://www.aamft.org/imis15/aamft/Content/Consumer_Updates/Same-sex_Parents_and_Their_Children.aspx>.

"Children of Same-Sex Parents Are Healthier: Study - NBC News." NBC News. Web. <http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/children-same-sex-parents-are-healthier-study-n149901>.

"Do Same Sex Parents Impact The Mental Health Of Their Children? Some US States Say 'Yes' And Prohibit LGBT Adoption." Medical Daily. Web. <http://www.medicaldaily.com/do-same-sex-parents-impact-mental-health-their-children-some-us-states-say-yes-and-prohibit-lgbt>.

"A Meta-Analysis of Developmental Outcomes for Children of Same-Sex and Heterosexual Parents." Taylor & Francis. Web. <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15504280802177615>.

"US National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study: Psychological Adjustment of 17-Year-Old Adolescents." Pediatrics.org. Web. <http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/1/28.abstract>.

"Children with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents." AACAP.org. Web.  <http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_with_Lesbian_Gay_Bisexual_and_Transgender_Parents_92.aspx>.

"A Quick Guide To The Research On Same-Sex Parenting (As Presented To The Federal Courts)." ThinkProgress.org. Web.  <http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/10/28/2843991/sex-parenting-research/>.

"Same-sex Divorce Rate Lower than Heterosexual Couples." Canberra Times. Web. <http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/samesex-divorce-rate-lower-than-heterosexual-couples-20140215-32t32.html>.