The adolescent years are full of confusion in terms of finding who you are. Adolescents not only face internal challenges of assessing their own values and interests but also have the pressure of fitting in with their peers and feeling accepted. One area that an increasing number of adolescents are exploring today is their sexual and gender identity. As a parent, this can stir up an array of different emotions, and you may not know how best to help your child through this time in their life.
I am a counselor who identifies as LGBTQIA+, affirming and passionate about working with adolescents and processing their journey in finding their identity. I am also passionate about working with parents through their own anxieties and fears through this process. One resource I offer through Embark is an LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group where parents can not only find community and support in this time, but also be provided resources and education. Below are some tips on how to support and care for your child in their journey and resources to utilize.
How to Support Your Teen in Their Journey
- Lead with Love: No matter the circumstance, all parents want their children to be safe, healthy, and happy. While you may not feel prepared to embark on this journey with your teen, acceptance is vital to your child’s safety, mental health, and well-being. You may not have all the answers, but leading with love and acceptance is the first step in helping and supporting.
- Be Open to Education: There are multiple resources available to guide you through your own journey of understanding gender and sexual identity. Some valuable resources I found through my own education are The Trevor Project, The Family Acceptance Project, and PFLAG.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Dialogue: Remain curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Staying connected to your child’s world will make it easier for them to approach you, and they will appreciate your willingness to learn from them– even if they don’t necessarily verbalize it!
- Self-Care: Through all this, you are putting in immense work to learn and grow with your child. This can be exhausting! Remember to do your own self-care and therapy to ensure you have a safe space to process and cope.
