Are there exceptions to these observations? Sure. None of this is to say that all kids who aren’t raised by their mom and dad are destined for failure, that there aren’t stellar single parents, that same-sex parents don’t love their children, or that parenting dynamics can’t differ depending on the couple. There are children raised by their mom and dad who face the same challenges as children who aren’t. But we shouldn’t ignore the data or dismiss our own instincts and experiences when it comes to the need for mothers and fathers.
