How do you talk to your child about being gay

Get AIDS? Yet others found that their relationships with their children grew to be closer, stronger, and more honest than ever before. Start the conversation early and foster inclusivity and respect. These trustworthy confidants let them vent but also corrected some of the misperceptions they absorbed from society, such as that gay people are lonelyunhappy, promiscuous, not family-oriented, unable to have children, or destined for an unhappy life.

How do I know? Learn how to talk to your kids about being gay with our 8-step guide. I want to know how to respond most effectively when it does. What should you do?. Posted April 18, Reviewed by Jessica Schrader.

A Parent’s Guide to

If you do not have someone like this within reach, consider a professional therapist such as a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. We have five kids ranging in age from preschool to adolescence. Well, based on my research and clinical experience with parents just like you, here are some steps you can take that you will likely find helpful.

Can you give me some helpful tips on discussing the issue of homosexuality with my children? Find someone to talk to—but not just anyone. Of me? Well, in my study of 65 families of gay and lesbian youth for the book, Coming Out, Coming Home: Helping Families Adjust to a Gay or Lesbian ChildI found that some parents get to the point where they believe that the experience of having a gay child actually made them a better person—more open-minded and sensitive to the needs of others, particularly those in other minority groups.

With gay relationships and same-sex marriage becoming increasingly prevalent and visible in our culture, it’s a subject that’s bound to come up sooner or later. Do you have. Conversely, they might also be experiencing relief "Now I know what's been bothering my child for all these years!

Whether your child identifies as LGBTQIA+, has friends or family members who do, or is simply exploring the diversity of the world, honest and thoughtful communication plays a vital role in shaping how they view themselves and others. Good advice when first confronting any difficult situation, right?

Others grew to be proud of their children's sexual orientation. If this is your experience, first take a deep breath. If you just found out your child is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, you may be thinking that such ideas are preposterous. Members of each of these professions follow a code of ethics that requires them to be knowledgeable, respectful, and tolerant of LGBT people.

That could include self-blame "Did I do something wrong? This is a national support and advocacy group primarily for parents of LGBT people that has hundreds of local chapters, so there is likely to be one near you. When parents learn that their child is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgenderthey can experience a range of emotions.

However, for good measure, before you begin, ask the therapist his or her opinions of LGBT people and lifestyles. We turned to experts to learn more about what gay gardens say and how to offer support to your LGBTQ+ kid.

And you will. Talking about LGBTQIA+ identities in a positive, affirming way also helps combat stigma, ensuring that children - regardless of their background - feel seen. Your child has just come out to you as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

As I state in the book and also in an earlier posting, the parents in my study were helped by talking to a trusted friend, relative, coworker, or even a casual acquaintance. If your child comes out to you, how you react matters. They also reassured parents that they and their child would be OK.

So, look for someone to share your painful feelings with, make sure they are open-minded, progressive, and accepting of LGBT people. As a matter of fact, you might someday look back and find that you are grateful for the experience of having a gay or lesbian child.

Second, tell yourself you will get through this.