How do you keep your child from beeing gay

We turned to experts to learn more about what to say and how to offer support to your LGBTQ+ kid. Look out for signs of bullying Bullying is a problem for many students, but LGBTQ youth in particular are often targeted for being different.

When your child comes out as gay, they are giving you new information about their identity that adjusts how you see them. When it comes to telling other family members, let your child take the lead. Coming out to your parents is usually a pretty monumental moment for most LGBTQ people.

Tips for Parents of

You might also talk to a therapist or someone in your faith group. Or they might be afraid of letting you down by being different from your expectations. Mitrani notes. The most important thing is to respect what they want to do and keep the conversation open.

If your child comes out to you, how you react matters. Writer: Caroline Miller. Ask what they need and advocate for them. They have greater resilience. When an LGBTQ+ child comes out to their parents, how can parents best support their child’s mental health and well-being?

Your child feeling comfortable enough to share their safety concerns can make a difference. Above all, make sure your child knows that you love them and are there for them no matter what. Dealing with your own feelings can help you be more supportive of your child.

Open communication, in which parents listen without judgment, is a form of validation for the child, adds Lauren Latella, PhD, a clinical psychologist. If there’s a problem and the school isn’t taking your concerns seriously, go to the principal or even the school board.

Parents have a huge voice in the school system. As a parent, you might worry about whether they will be accepted. Being reaffirmed in knowing you are loved for who you are is powerful. What do they need to hear?. Being LGBT can bring some extra complications into the mix, and it’s only natural for you to want to protect your child from hardship.

A Parent’s Guide to

What does your child need to hear? Talking about it with a support group like PFLAGsomeone in your church or congregation, or a therapist could be helpful for you and your child, too. And whatever decisions you need to make we want to be the best ones for you.

Some teens are afraid their parents will kick them out or withdraw financial support when they come out. Most young people come out to their friends first. If your child comes out to you, or a friend’s child comes out to them, there are plenty of things you can do (and some things you should definitely not do) to best support your child.

But whatever your feelings are, Dr. Mitrani urges them not to express those feelings to the child. You do have power. When kids are coming out, what do they need from parents? Even when parents are likely to be understanding, coming out can be a source of intense stress and anxiety.

They might know exactly how they want to do it, or they might not be sure. Start by asking questions and listening to their answers calmly.