• Client Portal

    1250 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 303 | Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
    support@avaloncda.com | (208) 771-5510

    • Facebook
  • Avalon Counseling | Lonnie Stapp

    • Home
    • About
    • Counseling Services
      • Anger
      • Anxiety / Panic Attacks
      • Bipolar
      • Couples Counseling
      • Depression
      • Grief / Bereavement
      • Individual Counseling
      • LGBTQ Issues
      • Group Counseling
      • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
      • Online Counseling
      • PTSD
      • Trichotillomania
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Fees and Insurance
      • Social Media Policy
    • Blog
    • Resources
      • Useful Bits & Daily Mindfulness Sign-up
      • Physical Health Links
      • Mental Health Links

    How to Talk to Your Young Child About the LGBTQIA+ Community

    April 1, 2021

    As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say when kids question what we deem to be adult topics. Broaching topics of sexuality can be awkward for both parties, however, it is a necessary conversation to have.

    When it comes to talking about homosexuality and transgender individuals, children should be given age-appropriate information so they can better understand and empathize with others. Regardless of whether or not your child is LGBTQIA+, having a conversation about LGBTQIA+ issues will help reduce prejudice while teaching compassion and empathy.

    When to Talk

    It’s never too late to start a conversation on issues of sexuality with your children. While there may be initial discomfort and reluctance from preadolescent children and older, ultimately having these discussions with your children will help them develop a sense of safety and security with you, while it teaches them tolerance and acceptance.

    For young children, the age of 5 is a good time to begin discussing these topics by sharing some basic information with them.

    What to Say

    For young children, keep the conversation simple and focus on basic concepts. When talking about homosexuality, you can explain to your child that just as a man and a woman can fall in love, so can a man with a man, and a woman with a woman. When talking about transgender individuals, you can explain that how a person looks on the outside isn’t always how they feel on the inside. You can refer to the familiar adage about “not judging a book by its cover.”

    Children should understand the basic concept that even though people may look different than us, they are people just like we are and equally deserving of love, acceptance, and respect.

    You Don’t Have to Know Everything

    Your child may have questions that you can’t answer. It’s okay to admit to your child when you don’t know the right answer. This could be a discussion point for later after you’ve done some research, or it could be a good opportunity for you to learn from your child.

    Are you a parent in need of parenting advice and support? A trained, licensed mental health professional can help. Call my office today, and we can set up an appointment to talk.

     

    Filed Under: Adolescents/Teens, Children, LGBTQ

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1250 W. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 303
    Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

    (208) 771-5510
    support@avaloncda.com
    fax: (208) 518.1258

    Contact Today


    Associations

    Website Redesign by Enleaf | Privacy Policy

    Avalon Counseling, LLC
    support@avaloncda.com | (208) 771-5510

    Fax: (208) 512-1258

    Copyright © 2021 · Brooklyn on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

    MENU
    • Home
    • About
    • Counseling Services
      • Anger
      • Anxiety / Panic Attacks
      • Bipolar
      • Couples Counseling
      • Depression
      • Grief / Bereavement
      • Individual Counseling
      • LGBTQ Issues
      • Group Counseling
      • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
      • Online Counseling
      • PTSD
      • Trichotillomania
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Fees and Insurance
      • Social Media Policy
    • Blog
    • Resources
      • Useful Bits & Daily Mindfulness Sign-up
      • Physical Health Links
      • Mental Health Links