This is a question which has been the centre of many debates over time. It is in the centre of societal policies and child care. The development of the child is no doubt moulded by the parents but the question is how far it is necessary to have both of the parents in the picture. There are many who will support the fact that the father has surely an influence on the child which the mother cannot give. This may be true to a certain extent. But we need to ask the question, is this influence really necessary for the child and will it help him in his adult life. This is something which cannot be possibly understood clearly. For one, gay families seem to be functioning well even though there is a certain amount of social stigma associated with it.

The influence of the male or the female parent can be individual or combined. These influences can most of the times be positive. But ever so often we see that parental conflict has been the biggest cause of adult psychological problems. Hence we cannot clearly say which one is good or bad for the child.

Read more from main article.