Difference in Sexes
Before the meeting
Articles
(Read two or more)
Why moms and dads both matter in marriage
“Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable—they both add distinct benefits to the development of children. Courts and legislatures can change legal definitions, but they cannot alter biology or psychology.”
Mother bodies, father bodies
“A new report from the Institute for American Values drawing on the work of leading scholars from the natural and social sciences presents ten significant findings about the complementary nature of mothering and fathering – and the vital interaction of these roles with the body and the brain.”
Marriage is Married to Parenthood- a global survey on how gay marriage weakens children’s rights.
“When the law views husbands and wives as optional, the role of father and mother becomes legally optional as well. And that’s no good for children.”
The kids are not really alright
Children raised by married parents fare better than those raised by single parents on many socio-economic indicators.
America’s fatherless ache exposed by humble YouTube dad
There’s an ache and a need for a father that this humble Youtube dad brings to the forefront. “Is it time we stop bad mouthing fathers and instead step up to support them?”
Motherhood brings the most dramatic brain changes of a woman’s life
The neurobiological changes inherent in pregnancy, giving birth and nursing prime women to become “fiercely protective, motivated caregiver[s].”
Videos
(Watch one or more)
Doesn’t love make a family? Why gender, biology and marriage matter
Katy Faust presents a brief overview of the impact that gender, biology, and marriage have on the well-being of children.
What representing men in divorce taught me about fatherhood
In this popular TEDX talk, an attorney explains that fathers are crucial in the upbringing and development of their children. There is some language in the video.
Why do children need a mother and father?
Produced by the Catholic News Service, this video makes connections between religious teachings and the research on the benefits of fathers and mothers on children.
Supplemental Articles
10 Facts about Father Engagement
Concise information about the positive effects that engaged fathers have on their children.
Study finding Lesbians are “just as good” as married biological parents is fake news
“An honest inquisitor will easily find that 99.8 percent of the research the press fawns over on this topic is embarrassingly poor in its basic methodology.”
The real causes of human sex differences
Popular belief holds that differences between the sexes are mostly culturally driven. However, there are differences between the sexes in more species than our own, and sex differences manifest themselves very early in childhood.
Fathers don’t mother and mothers don’t father: The distinctive contributions of mothers and fathers to children’s development
“Although fathers and mothers bring many similar capacities that enable healthy child development, they also retain distinctive, gendered capacities that provide unique and complementary contributions to children’s development.”
Mother bodies, father bodies: Full report
“Women and men embarking on family formation and childbearing will benefit from a richer understanding of the changes that take place in themselves, their partners, and their relationships as they create and sustain the families that will guide and nurture the next generation.”
Marriage is Married to Parenthood- a global survey on how gay marriage weakens children’s rights.
“When the law views husbands and wives as optional, the role of father and mother becomes legally optional as well. And that’s no good for children.”
Supplemental Videos
Thank you!
The creator of the youtube channel “Dad, how do I?” responds to the feedback from those who wrote him thanking him for being a father figure.
Just a Mom – Mother’s day 2018
Is a mother “just a mom?” Or is she a creator, a healer, a life giver, a teacher…?
The Science Around Male Brains vs Female Brains
John Stossel argues against the popular trend that insists that men and women are no different from one another.
Expert Call – Jenet Erickson
What are the differences between men and women? Is there a difference in our physiological development? Is there a difference in the way we connect and nurture? Why is each so valuable in a child’s development? Learn from Professor Jenet Erickson as she explains some of the differences between men and women. (47:52)
BOOK
Gender and Parenthood: Biological and Social Scientific Perspectives
Edited by W. Bradford Wilcox and Kathleen Kline
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“The essays in this collection deploy biological and social scientific perspectives to evaluate the transformative experience of parenthood for today’s women and men. They map the similar and distinct roles mothers and fathers play in their children’s lives and measure the effect of gendered parenting on child well-being, work and family arrangements, and the quality of couples’ relationships.”
Partnership Parenting: How Men and Women Parent Differently–Why It Helps Your Kids and Can Strengthen Your Marriage
by Kyle Pruett, M.D. and Marsha Kline Pruett, PhD
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“Men and women not only have naturally different communication styles, but unique approaches to parenting as well. While mothers tend to overprotect their kids, fathers tend to push them toward independence. And whereas many experts tend to advocate “a united front,” Drs. Kyle and Marsha Pruett reveal how Mom and Dad not always being on exactly the same page — which, initially, may seem to cause conflict — can actually strengthen the whole family.”
Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters
by Erica Komisar, LCSW
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“In this important and empowering book, veteran psychoanalyst Erica Komisar explains why a mother’s emotional and physical presence in her child’s life–especially during the first three years–gives the child a greater chance of growing up emotionally healthy, happy, secure, and resilient.”
Talking Points
Resources to help you discuss with friends and family.
Social Media Resources
Share resources for families through social media.
Advocacy Tips
Get involved in your community and local governments to make a difference.