4 Ways Parents Can Show the Support For Their Children’s Identity

Parents often worry about their children’s lives and don’t feel like they know what to do when their children’s lives take an unexpected turn. Here are some important and helpful ways that parents can show support for their children’s identity and help them through this time in life.

1. Support Their Sexual Orientation

If your child tells you they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, the most important thing you can do is to support them. This can be a difficult time for them and they need your love and support. Show them that you still love them and are proud of them. If your child is intersex, a small first step to show your support could be to get them a flag with a purple circle on yellow design and help them hang it on their wall. Visual messages like this will show your child that you accept them for who they are. Your child may also not want to come out to the world yet and that is okay. Respect their decision and do not force them to come out. This is a personal choice that your child needs to make on their terms. 

Respect Their Gender Identity

If your child comes out to you as transgender or genderqueer, you need to respect their gender identity. This means using the pronouns they prefer and using their chosen name. If your child is not out to the rest of the world, help them find safe resources where they can be themselves without judgment. These can be online communities, groups of friends, or even just one friend that they can count on. Let your child know that you are there for them and will support them no matter what. 

2. Teach Them How To Stand Up For Themselves

If your child is a part of the LGBTQ community, it is important to teach them how to stand up for themselves. This includes teaching them how to handle discrimination and hate crimes. Showing your child that you are there for them no matter what will give them the strength they need to stand up for themselves when necessary. So, if your child is not out to the rest of the world, help them find safe spaces where they can be themselves without judgment. These can be online communities, groups of friends, or even just one friend that they can count on. Let your child know that you are there for them and will support them no matter what.

3. Talk To Them About Their Feelings

When your child comes out to you, they are likely going to be feeling a range of emotions. You need to talk to them about their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel all of these things. Encourage them to express their feelings and don’t try to change how they are feeling. This can be a difficult time for your child and they need your support. Also, make sure to listen to your child and let them know that you are there for them. 

Show Them That You Love Them

The most important thing you can do is show your child that you love them. This can be done in many ways such as telling them, hugging them, or just spending time with them. Your child needs to know that you still love and support them no matter what. So, if they come out to you as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or any other identity, let them know that you will always love them and be there for them. 

4. Help Them Find Safe Resources

If your child is not out to the rest of the world, help them find safe resources where they can be themselves without judgment. These can be online communities, groups of friends, or even just one friend that they can count on. Let your child know that you are there for them and will support them no matter what. When your child comes out to you, they are likely going to be feeling a range of emotions. You need to talk to them about their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel all of these things. Encourage them to express their feelings and don’t try to change how they are feeling. This can be a difficult time for your child and they need your support. 

Your child is still the same person that you love and support, they are just living their life according to who they truly are. No matter if it’s about their sexual orientation, religious views, gender identity, or anything else, continue to show them your love and support and everything will be okay.