How to Accept a Homosexual Child

Parents often have a difficult time accepting the fact that their child is gay. Some parents may react in a rash manner, such as vowing to disown their child. Most often, they are hurt or embarrassed by their child's sexual preference. These parents may feel as though they have done something wrong, and blame themselves for their child's homosexuality. Parents must realize that they are not to blame for their child being gay, nor should they blame their child. Even though homosexuality receives more acceptance today, there are still many people who are not accepting of such a lifestyle. Whether your child is heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual, he is still your child. Learn how to accept your child for the person she is.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Accept that Your Child is Homosexual

1. Talk to your child. Make a genuine effort to understand how your child feels. Have an open, honest, heartfelt discussion with your child. Listen to what he has to say, and make a sincere effort to understand your child.

2. Open your mind and your heart to your child. Don't make automatic assumptions or judgments. Don't listen to gossip. If you have questions, go directly to your child. She may be more willing to open up to you if you do not try to shut her out.

3. Examine how your relationship with your child has changed since you found out he is gay. First of all, has it changed? If so, how has it changed? Why has it changed? If your relationship has become distant or negative, look for ways to make it better. If you haven't been talking to your child, take the first step and start a conversation. If you have said things you shouldn't have, put your pride aside and apologize. Take the first step in turning a negative situation into a positive one. When you can be honest with yourself and each other, then the relationship can begin to heal.

4. Look at the person, not the lifestyle. Your child is the same person he was before. The only thing that has really changed is that you now know something your didn't know then. Your child is still the same person you held in your arms, comforted, laughed with and cried with.

5. Express your feelings. If you are hurt or disappointed that your child is homosexual, be honest and let her know how you feel. Your child will understand. Your child is not trying to hurt you by being gay. He only wants to be the person that he is. Love is what matters the most. It's okay to feel hurt and disappointed, but don't let those emotions stand in the way of your love for your child. Let your child know that you will always love her. That is what is really important.

[chinese4math]

on 12/19/2009 People ought to be TOLERANT, but should not have to ACCEPT someone else's decision that is contrary to their moral beliefs.

[boatst]

on 6/28/2009 Good article on accepting a child thats gay. Thanks.