What’s Good for the Kids

It has been apparent for a while now that we live in child-centric times. We approach parenting with a single-mindedness that baffles our own parents, and certainly their parents, who thought children should be seen and not heard. We think it’s just fine to put our kids ahead of our careers, our relationships, our social lives, and even if we aren’t doing so, everyone around us seems to be. Full Story »

Posted by Derek Hawkins - via Nicholas Kristof, New York Times (Most Emailed)
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Member Tags: civil same-sex marriage, children and youth, homosexuality
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Posted by: Posted by Derek Hawkins - Nov 7, 2009 - 4:29 PM PST
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Ryan Jefferson - Nov 17, 2009 - 8:42 AM PST
Fabrice Florin
3.8
by Fabrice Florin - Nov. 12, 2009

Informative report on children of same-sex couples, based on recent studies from Clark University and the University of Massachusetts. Their findings suggest that children from homosexual parents are not all that different, but tend to be less conventional and more flexible about gender roles. Good overview about an under-reported topic.

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Ryan Jefferson
4.0
by Ryan Jefferson - Nov. 17, 2009

In a study of the families of homosexuals, it is found that the kids turn out completely healthy. Unsurprisingly the children of gay and lesbian parents tend to favor the values of the gay and lesbian communities. Children growing up with homosexual parents have an eye towards equality and are not as affected by the gender roles of society.

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Manfred Ostrowski
4.1
by Manfred Ostrowski - Nov. 13, 2009

Lisa Belkin presents her point of view concerning children raised by same sex couples. She offers data that seem to imply being educated by a lesbian or gay couple is just "good for the kids", with the children becoming more liberal, progressive, and nonconformist.

I do not think there is a simple device to educate children towards liberal-mindedness, and I have doubts gay and lesbian couples really form a homogenous group in this respect beyond denying traditional gender-roles, so they would transmit identical values or attitudes to the children they raise, or treat the children in a typical "same sex couple" manner.

These children do just fine.. More »

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Derek Hawkins
4.0
by Derek Hawkins - Nov. 12, 2009
See Full Review » (2 answers)
Sydney LaCour
3.2
by Sydney LaCour - Nov. 18, 2009

This is one of the most insightful articles I've read on gay marriage, including my research on the issue. It brings an important aspect into the popular debate centered on the topic of gay rights by introducing the effects this debate has on people. Many do not include children in the discussion and the benefits posed are indeed notable.

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  • Are Same-Sex Couples Better Parents?

    Are the parenting styles of these couples and the psychological development of their children different from families led by heterosexual couples? There is an increasing body ...
    Posted by Derek Hawkins