Do you think that Same-sex couples can raise well rounded children?

Answer 1

They can and they do ...its happening all the time.

So what do the studies find? Summarizing the research, the American Psychological Association concluded in its July 2004 “Resolution on Sexual Orientation, Parents, and Children,”
There is no scientific basis for concluding that lesbian mothers or gay fathers are unfit parents on the basis of their sexual orientation. . . . On the contrary, results of research suggest that lesbian and gay parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children. . . . Overall, results of research suggest that the development, adjustment, and well-being of children with lesbian and gay parents do not differ markedly from that of children with heterosexual parents.17

Specifically, the research supports four conclusions.

First, lesbian mothers, and gay fathers (about whom less is known), are much like other parents. Where differences are found, they sometimes favor same-sex parents. For instance, although one study finds that heterosexual fathers had greater emotional involvement with their children than did lesbian co-mothers, others find either no difference or that lesbian co-mothers seem to be more involved in the lives of their children than are heterosexual fathers.18

Second, there is no evidence that children of lesbian and gay parents are confused about their gender identity, either in childhood or adulthood, or that they are more likely to be homosexual. Evidence on gender behavior (as opposed to identification) is mixed; some studies find no differences, whereas others find that girls raised by lesbians may be more “masculine” in play and aspirations and that boys of lesbian parents are less aggressive.19 Finally, some interesting differences have been noted in sexual behavior and attitudes (as opposed to orientation). Some studies report that children, particularly daughters, of lesbian parents adopt more accepting and open attitudes toward various sexual identities and are more willing to question their own sexuality. Others report that young women raised in lesbian-headed families are more likely to have homosexual friends and to disclose that they have had or would consider having same-sex sexual relationships.20 (Just how to view such differences in behavior and attitude is a matter of disagreement. Where conservatives may see lax or immoral sexual standards, liberals may see commendably open-minded attitudes.)

Third, in general, children raised in same-sex environments show no differences in cognitive abilities, behavior, general emotional development, or such specific areas of emotional development as self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. In the few cases where differences in emotional development are found, they tend to favor children raised in lesbian families. For example, one study reports that preschool children of lesbian mothers tend to be less aggressive, bossy, and domineering than children of heterosexual mothers. Another finds more psychiatric difficulties and a greater number of psychiatric referrals among children of heterosexual parents.21 The only negative suggestion to have been uncovered about the emotional development of children of same-sex parents is a fear on the part of the children—which seems to dissipate during adolescence when sexual orientation is first expressed—that they might be homosexual.22

Finally, many gay and lesbian parents worry about their children being teased, and children often expend emotional energy hiding or otherwise controlling information about their parents, mainly to avoid ridicule. The evidence is mixed, however, on whether the children have heightened difficulty with peers, with more studies finding no particular problems.23
Fortunately, the research situation is improving, so we may soon have clearer answers. Over the past several decades researchers have worked to improve their methods, and the population of gay and lesbian parents has become easier to study. Studies using larger samples are appearing in the literature, the first long-term study following the same group of people over time has been published, and studies using representative, population-based samples have appeared. More studies now use standardized instruments with acceptable reliability and validity. Recent studies are much more likely to match comparison groups closely and are also more likely to use statistical methods to control for differences both within and between the study groups.


It bears emphasizing that the issue of same-sex parenting is directly relevant to same-sex marriage only to the extent that the latter extends the scope of the former. Gay and lesbian couples make up only a small share of the population, not all of those couples have or want children, and many who do have or want children are likely to raise them whether or not same-sex marriage is legal. The number of additional children who might be raised by same-sex couples as a result of same-sex marriage is probably small. Moreover, an important question, where family arrangements are concerned, is always, “Compared with what?”

We doubt that same-sex marriage would shift any significant number of children out of the homes of loving heterosexual parents and into same-sex households; and, to the extent that same-sex marriage helps move children out of foster care and into caring adoptive homes, the prospect should be welcomed. If the past several decades' research establishes anything, it is that the less time children spend in the public child welfare system, the better. Put simply, research shows that the state makes a poor parent for many of the children in its custody, particularly compared with stable, loving, developmentally appropriate environments.

AND ITS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME AND LIKE IT OR NOT IT’S THE WAY OF THE FUTURE …! ALL IT TAKES IS LOVE!

Answer 2

Yes, i don't see why not. It's not like being raised by gay parents is going to turn someone gay. Not that that's a bad thing but I know that's one of the arguments. If anyone wants to use that as a legitimate argument all I have to say is I was raised by straight parents and that didn't make me straight! As long as they are in a stable relationship I don't see why not. The child will most likely be a very open minded and well rounded person when they grow up

Answer 3

Naw I dont think they can, it maybe possible but I doubt it because it confuses the child when they start to get to Junior High and a lot criticism will occur which will make the child do things unusually and the child might turn against their parents. Not saying opposite sex couples raise well-rounded children but it is just more fitting 4 the birth mother and father to parent the child.

Answer 4

Yes. Many same-sex couples have raised well rounded and happy children.

Answer 5

Of course. As long as they are well rounded themselves the kids will turn out great. Look at some of the straight couples out there, a kid being raised by 2 men or 2 women could be a lot worse off.

Answer 6

I think that a same-sex couple can raise children just as well or better than a man and a women. Besides gay people are often more understanding and accepting of different things because they have gone through so much themselves.

Answer 7

of course there are single parent families out there raising well rounded child. just because were a same sex couples doesn't mean we cant raise them to be right.

Answer 8

Yes people think that gay people would raise gay children, but my mom and dad where straight, they both raised me and I'm gay so it varies, some gay couples will raise gay children the same way some straight couple will raise gay children as well

and some gay couples will raise straight children the same way some straight couples will raise straight children as well

Answer 9

Yes they can, and this is actually proven by research.

in reference to something said by intel_knight, using this logic, I guess children raised in a single parent home wouldn't know how to either.

Answer 10

Yes. More well rounded than many hetero couples, I'd say.

Answer 11

of course they can, and we have quite a few friends who have kids...and they are very happy, well-rounded children! hell, I think some gay/lesbian couples are even better parents...but then I'm a little biased...

and jlnk80110, you are reported!