A study published in the Journal Pediatrics (June 2010) has found that children raised in lesbian families actually fare better than those raised by heterosexual parents in a few key areas.

The study, by a professor from the University of California San Francisco and a scientist from University of Amsterdam looked at families where lesbian parents conceived through artificial insemination. The researchers expected to find that children from lesbian households would do as well as their peers raised in straight homes.


What they were surprised to find is that in areas of self-esteem and confidence, kids raised by lesbians scored higher. Children from lesbian homes also did better academically and were less likely to have behavior problems than peers.

Whether the lesbian moms separated or stayed together did not impact the outcomes of study.

Why is This So?

Researchers aren't sure, but they speculate that lesbian mothers make parenting more of a priority and that leads to healthier kids. Also, because children of lesbian moms are likely to experience discrimination, their parents are likely to discuss diversity, sexuality and tolerance with their children. This could lead to higher self-esteem and maturity.

How did they do the study?

The US National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study began in 1986. One hundred fifty four lesbian moms volunteered for the study, which was to follow the families from conception to adulthood. Data for this report was gathered through interviews and questionnaires that were completed by 78 children of lesbian moms when they were 10 and 17 years old and through interviews and Child Behavior Checklists that were completed by their mothers at corresponding times.

The children were asked to complete an online questionnaire which asked questions about their activities, social lives, behaviors and levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

From the report: "Adolescents who have been reared in lesbian-mother families since birth demonstrate healthy psychological adjustment." Even though 41% of respondents reported teasing, ostracism or discrimination for having lesbian moms, this did not seem to impact their psychological adjustment.
You can read the full report in Pediatrics.