New Study Finds Adoptive Parents More Invested in Their Children than Biological Parents
Tuesday February 13, 2007
A new study published in the American Sociological Review and funded by the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the American Educational Research Association, showed that adoptive parents spend more money and time on their children. 13,000 households with first-graders in the family showed that adoptive parents spend more time reading to their children, eating together, and talking with them about their problems. It was suggested that some of the reasons for this could include:
- Most adoptive parents went through a lot to have children in their lives.
- Most adoptive parents live in an environment that says that what they do is not real parenting - so they tend to over compensate.
- In general, the adoptive parents were older and wealthier than biological parents that were a part of the study.
I think Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute said it best when asked about this study's findings, "It's an affirmation that there are all sorts of families that are good for kids. Adoptive parents aren't less good or better. They just bring different benefits to the table. In terms of how families are formed, it should be a level playing field."
As for my opinion, I'm just glad that there is a study out there that says we're (my family) doing a good job. I have those days (today) when I don't think so. What do youthink of this study? Click "comments" below and share your opinion.________________________________________
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Our girls were both adopted at the ages of 12 and 13 and we have 3 older bio sons. Both girls take more of our time due to their past baggage that came with them. Their bio moms were both drug addicts and drank and were both in foster care for 3 -5 years before coming to us. Unlike our bio kids who have always had stability in their lives, our girls have had a long difficult road. Now that they are in a safe, stable home with people who care about them, it takes time to develope trust and believe that they are here to stay and that they are safe. In order to instill that in them, we have to have more patience and time to spend with each one of them.
I understand and completely agree. I was thinking the same thing. We spend a LOT more time with our adopted children due to their issues. We try to spend special time with our birth child. I don’t want her to feel second best or not of the same importance because she doesn’t have these issues. I’d have for her to think that she needs to be unhealthy to get my attention.
I have to agree with the all types of family comment. I also think that any parent who…worked hard to have a child, has a different life than the typical parent or waited a long time to have a child, probably spends more time and money – adoptive parent or natural. Wouldn’t it be great if all children could be raised this way!
Yes, I do agree – If all kids were raised as if their parents had to wait for an eternity or go through heaven and hell for them.
My adoptive mother has closed all communication with me since I found my birthfamily, for this, and other insignificant reasons.
I have 2 bio children of my own, and I would NEVER cut them out of my life for any reason.
Whats missing with my A mom?
AGAPE-unconditonal love.