Families come in many shapes and sizes, and a recent study took a closer look at one dynamic known as “selective co-parenting,” in which two or more people decide to raise children together outside of a romantic relationship.

Selective co-parenting has long been practiced among the LGBTQ+ community, but what yes The latest news is that this phenomenon is increasingly common among heterosexual parents. Websites such as Pride Angel, Modamily and PollenTree have also sprung up in recent years to help would-be parents connect with potential co-parents.

People may choose this unconventional path for any number of reasons.

Sarah Foley, one of the study’s authors, said: “For some parents, elective co-parenting is Plan B, while for others it is about sharing parental responsibilities and getting more benefits. More freedom and equality “Some parents believe that co-parenting is more stable than raising children in a relationship, which can end in divorce. “

A recent increase in the number of parents seeking elective co-parenting arrangements has prompted researchers to study the psychological effects of elective co-parenting and meeting co-parents online on children and families.

According to published in Reproductive Biomedicine OnlineIt appears that this alternative family dynamic functions in the same way as the nuclear family.

Researchers surveyed 13 selective co-parenting families where the parents met online and 10 families where the parents had met before. Children in the family range in age from 3 months to 11 years. Family composition varied, with 9 families having two heterosexual parents, 4 families having one heterosexual and one LGBTQ+ parent, and 10 families having two or more LGBTQ+ parents.

The questionnaire collected data on the mental health of parents and children, as well as the quality of the parents’ co-parenting or romantic relationship (if one of the parents was romantically involved).

The researchers found that compared with the general population, parents’ scores for depression, anxiety, parenting stress, resilience, perceived social support and couple relationship satisfaction were all within normal ranges. Children’s average ability, behavioral and emotional problem scores were even considered low risk compared with population norms.

They also found no significant differences in mental health between families they met online and families they met before.

It’s also worth noting that elective co-parents show higher levels of communication, cooperation, and mutual respect than divorced parents—which makes sense.

“These results highlight how dynamics such as conflict or poor cooperation after separation or divorce can harm the well-being of parents and children. Starting a family without a relationship or not living with your co-parent may actually be a safer choice,” Foley said.

Foley and her team noted that the study needs to be replicated by others, and they must check with families to ensure the results are accurate. Additionally, it is worth noting the small size of the study. But so far, so good for elective co-parenting!