5 Ways to Help Parents of LGBT Children Feel Happy and Safe

From confusing their gender identity to dangerous levels of sexual orientation, their already difficult lives are further complicated by people around them, especially their families who try to tell them that it's just a phase that they will get over, or reject them from everywhere just because they are different, making their lives even worse.

Regardless of geographic location, community or culture, there is no denying that all parents want the best for their children. All they think about is whether their children are happy, healthy and safe.

The role of the family is very important in the development of young children and it is from the family that children get their basic sense of security. Also, when it comes to the feeling of emotional security, children will initially get it at home. It is the family that is responsible for shaping a child and instilling in them the values that are important in their development. Therefore, creating an environment where they can be themselves will help them feel loved and accepted.

However, if you come out as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer), they may or may not accept your gender identity easily. You, as a parent, may not have imagined or prepared for it, but this is the time to talk about it and make your child feel that no matter what, they will always be loved and accepted unconditionally by the family.

Accept them and show them they are loved.

Researchers have found that LGBT youth whose parents provide them with love and support grow up to be happy and healthy adults. Even if parents don’t know everything about LGBT issues, they can still recognize that they care about their children. If you do start a conversation about sexuality, don’t force it, be there for them and this will help them feel confident about dealing with complex issues around their sexuality or their visibility in society.

Encourage your child to speak

If you want to know what is going on in your life, fight and develop trust. As a parent, you need to be approachable. Don’t throw questions at them directly, you can ask questions in an interruptive way. You can start a sensitive conversation or take your child to see a movie related to homosexuality or bisexuality. This can help them deal with the problem of approaching sensitive topics. In addition, speeches and discussions on social media can create many useful moments for parents to share with their children.

Be confident with your appearance and gender when interacting with the community

Help your LGBT children understand that they don’t have to be silent and that they can be themselves and be accepted for who they are. Show them that feeling stressed doesn’t mean they have to give up when the community knows about it. Make them believe that there is nothing wrong with them and that they don’t need to be cured. Celebrating and promoting can be a way to increase self-esteem and help them feel more confident when they step out into the world.

Protect your child from bullying

Studies have shown that LGBT youth are more likely to be singled out than youth who identify as transgender or gender-binary. If you feel that you are being liked at school, college, or work, or simply because you are different, seek professional help. Bullying can be so damaging to a growing child that it can create lifelong fears. It can lead to changes in behavior, unexplained absences, poor grades, a tendency toward risky behavior, discipline problems, and a shift in understanding who is a friend and who is not.

Join an LGBT group on social media

While it may seem like a daunting task to be a parent, it is essential that we are there for our children when they need us most. Often, LGBT youth can feel emotionally vulnerable and in doing so, you must understand that you are having a harder time than you are. You do not have to do everything on your own, nor do you need to seek support from a counselor, school administrator, or join groups specifically for LGBT people.

Find an inclusive space for your child and monitor how they interact with the world on social media and through apps. Teach them how to connect with new people and make connections with friends and allies. This will help them learn from the struggles and experiences of others and take responsibility for their own lives.