Anyone know of research on the benefits for children when parents are married or just living together ?

Question

When I say parents - I can mean both biological parents or people the biological parents are dating after the child is born. (I have seen some information out there that it doesn't make much difference, but all I seem to find are the articles that say the parents must be married)

Answer 1

Someone shared this page with me on here yesterday, -http://www.missionalresearch.info - it has a ton of good info on it. It's a Christian site, but there are research reports from a variety of sources and viewpoints. (that impressed me)

This report--from a University has an interesting viewpoint that if the married couple is the biological parents, then yes...there is a statistical difference in the success and well being of children. But if you are simply talking about a single mom marrying Joe the boyfriend, then no.

From the site...

Specifically, compared with children living with their married biological or adoptive parents, children living with cohabitors are more likely to experience material hardships such as poverty, food insecurity, and housing insecurity; more likely to exhibit behavioral problems or problems in school; and less likely to have positive interactions with their parents (such as being read to frequently).

No one would suggest that the differences in well-being between married and cohabiting families will simply vanish if cohabiting couples were to marry. Clearly some differences in well-being reflect differences in the characteristics (such as age or education) of those who choose to cohabit rather than marry.

But advocates of marriage promotion argue that marriage has intrinsic benefits that would accrue to couples that marry. This brief assesses the potential size of these intrinsic benefits.

Comparing Cohabiting and Married Parents.
The characteristics of cohabiting and married parent families differ markedly.

Cohabiting fathers are less likely to work than married fathers (82.2 percent versus 92.8 percent), and they are less likely to have worked full-time in the previous year (69.9 percent versus 85.7 percent).

They are also far more likely to be high school dropouts (34.7 percent versus 12.0 percent) and to be under age 25 (16.8 percent versus 2.1 percent).

Mothers in cohabiting parent families also differ significantly from their counterparts in married parent families.
Cohabiting mothers are considerably more likely to be high school dropouts than married mothers (34.9 percent versus 10.5 percent) and more likely to be under age 25 (24.7 percent versus 4.0 percent).

Although cohabiting mothers are less likely to be currently employed than married mothers (53.3 percent versus 60.1 percent), the two groups are equally likely to have worked and to have worked full-time during the prior year


Hope that helps!

Answer 2

A marriage cert isn't going to make a difference as the child has no real concept of what it is. Children whose parents are together in a loving committed relationship will obviously benefit from feeling secure and having a good family role model. But it isn't always bad if the parents don't live together and if mum and dad don't get on then child won't feel secure, and will become anxious. The most important thing is that the child has regular positive contact with both parents (where appropriate) and is provided with positive male and female role models in their life.

Answer 3

A marriage certificate does not guarantee a good marriage and with a divorce rate of 53% I would say it is a gamble.The success of any relationship is dependent upon both parties(married or single).If the couple loves each other, are respectful of each other and work together daily to make their relationship work then their children will likely been raised in a positive environment.Most parents want the best for their children and try to do their best for them. Most parents(married or single) do not say I think I'll make my child's life a living hell.Research is fine but be more concerned about doing YOUR daily best for YOUR FAMILY.

Answer 4

Its actually good if the parents to be married then concive a child..If not its kinda abuse to for the kids ..mentally

Answer 5

why do you think that formality will change love?
I do not think that a piece of paper makes me a better father!
we are a family and we are not married and my kid knows it but he surely knows that love is free of paperwork or of formal commitments.
its from the heart, we should never forget...

Luv Pat

Answer 6

I haven't lived with my 5 year olde's dad since i was pregnant and he seems fine

Answer 7

Who cares about research? What can research tell you? Go with your own experience.

Answer 8

I dont know~srry~