Support for Parents of LGBTQIA+ Children
You have a hard time understanding your child…
You’re confused and tense, not quite sure what to say, your child says they don’t feel good about the body with which they were born and say things like, “I don’t feel like ME.”
Maybe your child has come out to you as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or are questioning their sexuality and where they fit in with their peers.
You recognize your own discomfort, and you struggle with how to talk to your child.
‘Eggshells’ don’t even begin to describe what you’re walking on…
Minefield is a better description. Not just with you and your child, but it feels like the whole family is uncomfortable.
Everyone is tense and quiet, avoiding all kinds of conversations that used to feel easy and natural to you.
You’re afraid to ask questions or learn more – you don’t have the first idea about how to relate.
You’re scared.
Scared about what your child’s future might look like. You know people whose kids are gay, but it’s an uncomfortable subject that’s off the table.
And, you hate to admit it, but you feel ashamed for several reasons.
You feel guilty that you’re feeling shame about your kid’s struggle. You want things to feel ‘normal.’
You know you should feel fine with whatever makes them happy, but you just can’t get on board with the choices they are making.
Your relationship with your child is a priority.
This is your child!
You don’t understand why they’re heading down this path that’s so different from your own and others in the family – so different from what you wanted for them and with them.
You want to help them make good decisions. That’s your job, right?!
Is it rebellion or maybe something you’ve done wrong that has made your child confused?
Looking for objective support.
You have no idea how to begin sorting things out with your child, because you’re confused about what to think, feel, and do.
You feel alienated, angry, hurt, scared, and tired of trying to ‘figure things out’ on your own. And that’s how you feel: like you’re alone in this.
Other people in your family don’t know what to say and avoid the subject, and it’s uncomfortable for you to have conversations when everyone seems reluctant to acknowledge that anything is going on –but the air is thick with things that are going unsaid.
Don’t waste another minute feeling worried and disconnected.
You need someone to speak with, and someone to listen and hear your fears and concerns.
You want someone who won’t judge you, even though you don’t feel like a very good parent right now.
You know your relationship with your child can be better, but this just feels too big.
It also feels very private, so you’re just not sure you should reach out…
Call a professional who also has personal experience…
As the parent of a child who identifies as agender, I know how challenging it is to sort through one’s own feelings while at the same time staying supportive.
Being present for your child’s experience and giving them a safe place is what you desperately want, AND because you’re feeling confused with so many other feelings bouncing around, you’re just not sure you can give them the security they need with you right now.
This is a heart-wrenching experience for you…
Gain understanding with the right support.
It’s time to get the support you need so that you can provide the support you WANT to give.
You need someone who can help guide you back to the love and connection that is underneath all the confusion.
You want your relationship with your child to be strong. You want to feel good about how you show up for your child and for yourself.
I can provide the support you need, so understanding can lead to the support your child needs.
Don’t waste another minute feeling confused and alone.
No matter how old those children are, I can help.
Call (206) 779-2340 now.
