hypochondriac

That's extremely patronising.

I'm surprised that you think that children do not benefit from a mother in their lives, I really am.

Again what do you mean by 'how things work?' Because I would argue that I am just as qualified at assessing the needs of a child through both my job (and if you think I leave my job at work you would be surprised!) through looking after my sister who was much younger than myself and through a couple of years I spent caring for my Auntie's child when she was ill.

Less of a reactionary lefty

Do you honestly not think that a child does not miss out on anything by not having an ever present mother (or motherly figure?) Despite extensive studies suggesting otherwise? (and no I am not going to hunt on the internet to find relevant literature, it is all available should you wish.)

How on earth do you know? For all you know I could be a child psychologist.

FFS how is that in any way insulting. You really irritate me.

An ever present mother and everything that goes with that. I'm sure you're a great dad but I would be saying the same even if I were in the same situation as you.

Have to agree here...

More qualified at what???

If you look I said kids can cope fine without one parent but ideally they want two. Children will miss out on small things, if you work in a nursery for any length of time then you can always spot the three year olds who come from a single parent home.

I'm not sure what you are getting at. A single parent and a same sex parent is something completely different.

You. And wouldn't understand what? The potential negative effects that a same sex couple could have on a child's upbringing that a heterosexual couple would not have?

They don't. It's why in general straight couples are given priority.

Not sure why that is relevant. Am certain I have more experience of how upbringing affects children though.

I wouldn't say they NEED it (children can manage perfectly well with one parent) but it is infinitely preferable and you do miss out with a single parent. Go work in a children's nursery and after a while you can recognise the three year olds with single parents without being told. Seriously.

Same applies.

It isn't purely about school, it's about psychological upbringing of the child, their sense of identity and the qualities and advice (as well as motherly instincts) that only a mother can provide.

Can you not see how hypocritical it is to dismiss this 'rumour' yet make up another rumour that Lawrie is behind this article and totally believe it?

I like to think I have some knowledge in the area, considering my profession and also considering that I have an adopted sister.

Wow did you even bother to read what I was replying to? Franks Cousin was saying that the study he linked to was not scientific enough to be considered valid.

Yes but I was talking about parents of comparable quality which is what I tried to convey in my answers.

Psychological well-being of the child is also another factor

That's really how I stand on the issue as well. TBH I think if you are a same sex couple and you deprive a loving male female couple of a child by adopting one then you are pretty selfish.