Parents, this is a tough one.  No matter how accepting and embracing you are towards someone who is not your child being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, I’ve noticed parents struggle when it’s their own child.  There are a myriad of reasons ranging from religious beliefs to fear of what their own extended family will think.  The one common reason I hear is fear for the child not being easily accepted by certain parts of society or their friends’ families.

You do need to react in a way that lovingly reflects your true feelings, but I can promise you you won’t do that if you react quickly.  Here is a quick video that explains how to react in a gentle and patient way that is true to your heart.

Helping teens grow and families improve connection,

Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT