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By using thoughtful approaches tailored to their age and interests, you can create a safe space for understanding and acceptance. For example, if someone is teased for being different, help your child consider how to show kindness and support.

We turned to experts to learn more about what to say and how to offer support to your LGBTQ+ kid.

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When an LGBTQ+ child comes out to their parents, how can parents best support their child’s mental health and well-being? If your child comes out to you as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer), that may or may not be something you imagined or feel prepared for—but your acceptance really matters to their health and safety.

Use examples from booksmoviesor real life to make these concepts relatable, and emphasize that everyone has the right to be themselves. This guide is designed to provide parents, guardians, and educators with practical strategies for these important discussions.

Model Empathy: Encourage your child to ask respectful questions and think about how their actions affect others. National Coming Out Day is October Here are 6 things a parent can do if they think their child is LGBTQ.

Parents want their children to be happy, healthy, and safe. These discussions not only nurture individual confidence but also pave the way for a more empathetic, inclusive society. By being open, honest, and supportive, you create an environment where they feel comfortable exploring and embracing diversity.

Young Children Ages 3—7 : Focus on simple and universal ideas like love, family, and kindness. Inclusive language teaches children to view all identities as valid and equal. Demonstrate inclusive behavior by:. If your child comes out to you, how you react matters.

Why it works: This response is straightforward, avoids unnecessary complexity, and emphasizes authenticity.

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Here are some examples:. Talking to kids about these topics helps challenge these misconceptions, preventing the internalization of harmful attitudes. By starting these conversations early, we can help raise a generation that embraces differences, supports mental well-being, and leads with compassion.

Standing against discrimination by addressing harmful stereotypes or comments when they arise. Some kids have a mom and a dad, some have two moms or two dads, and some have just one parent. They might choose to live as the gender that matches how they feel inside.

Knowing that their identity is recognized and valued helps foster a sense of belonging and confidence, which is essential for their emotional well-being and personal growth. By learning to understand and celebrate differences, children become more likely to support and advocate for others, cultivating a culture of kindness and mutual respect.

By engaging in these conversations, we help create a foundation of understanding and support, ensuring that all children - regardless of their identity - feel seen, respected, and loved. Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts, creating a dialogue that fosters deeper understanding and empathy.

Explain that differences make the world more interesting and beautiful, while reinforcing the importance of treating everyone kindly. What do they need to hear?. Older Kids Ages 8—12 : Introduce foundational terms like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary.

For example:. Why it matters: Language shapes attitudes. These conversations empower children to question prejudice and stand up against discrimination, both in themselves and in others. Why it works: This explanation is simple, age-appropriate, and frames the concept in a positive light centered around love and happiness.

Why it works: This explanation emphasizes love as the foundation of family while teaching that all family structures are valid. These conversations not only break down stereotypes but also create a foundation of acceptance that benefits children throughout their lives.

Using inclusive language in everyday conversations. Love is love, and everyone deserves to love who makes them happy. Children learn more from what we do than what we say.