How to Talk to Your Children About Gay Relationships

Children often learn about straight relationships and sexual practices, but sometimes they have little or no knowledge or carry negative views of gay relationships. They often develop ideas about gay and lesbian couples from media images and messages. People usually talk to their kids about same-sex relationships when they are in a relationship with a person of the same sex or their children are gay or lesbian. When addressing same-sex partnerships, adults should try to have an open discussion with their children.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring up the subject of same-sex relationships gradually when your child is younger. This will help ensure he does not develop ideas about gay or lesbian people based on outside sources.

    • 2

      Ask what he has heard about same-sex couples before starting the discussion. Try to focus on topics such as love and commitment, at first. If you are in a same-sex relationship, talk to your child about topics such as how you met your partner. If you have a gay child, discuss subjects such as loving relationships between gay and lesbian couples.

    • 3

      Show your child that people in same-sex relationships have strong, loving relationships. Read books or pamphlets with your child that talk about or have same-sex couples. Read ̶0;Uncle Bobby̵7;s Wedding̶1; by Sarah S. Brannen, ̶0;Heather Has Two Mommies̶1; by Leslea Newman and Diana Souza or ̶0;And Tango Makes Three̶1; by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell to your child when he is young. You may also want to expose him to gay and lesbian couples on TV or in movies, making sure to watch programs or films that are age-appropriate. When your child is older, watch sitcoms with gay characters or couples, such as ̶0;Will and Grace.̶1;

    • 4

      Talk to your child about political and social issues associated with being gay or lesbian. Allow him to ask you questions and answering as honestly as possible, tailoring your responses to his age. Discuss topics such as gay marriage, same-sex-partner benefits, same-sex adoption or religious views on gay people. Talk to your gay child about topics such as the difficulties associated with being in same-sex relationships or successful people who have had same-sex partners.

    • 5

      Talk to your child about the general topic of sex in gay and lesbian relationships when he is in elementary or middle school to avoid misconceptions and have more detailed discussions when he is older. When you communicate with your gay child about sex between same-sex couples, talk about topics such as the relationship between love and sex, sexually-transmitted diseases, contraception and abstinence.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Causes Excessive Gas in Children?
      The causes of excessive gas in children are not all that different from the causes of excessive gas in adults, but children often have a difficult time communicating when they are in gastric distress, so it is up to adults to determine the culprit. I
    • The Components of Antisocial Behavior in Children
      Antisocial behavior includes a number of behavior problems that can range from defiance to serious criminal activity and violence. If the behavior is long-term and serious, it may lead to a diagnosis of conduct disorder, according to the National Ins
    • How to Explain Where Babies Come From to Your Child
      Sooner or later, your child will ask pointed questions about where babies come from. When these queries come in, be prepared with an explanation that fits your child’s age and maturity level. Younger children will need just enough information t