How to React When Your Child Comes Out LGBTQ | POF170

I never thought I would be having this conversation in such a personal way. In this episode, I’m talking to my friend, and LGBTQIA+ educator and coach, Heather Hester, about what to do when your child comes out to you. For me, I’m sharing, for the first time, that one of my sons has come out as bisexual to me. My own reaction surprised me because I’ve always been open, accepting and affirming of everyone in the LGTBQIA+ community all my life. This led me to questions like:Are you sure?How do you know?Is this just a phase? I needed to take some time to digest my son’s truth as I know every parent needs to do. Heather is such a kind and understanding person who has been through this with two of her four children. She knows it can be messy and beautiful all at the same time. The fact is, even if you don’t have an LGBYQIA+ child, your kids know someone who is. This matters because the statistics show that when a person comes from a supportive community and family, it significantly lower rates of them attempting suicide than in those who do not.For helpful resources and more on what to say to your child when they come out, download Heather’s handout from the Parent Toolbox. www.parent-toolbox.comHeather’s Podcast Just Breathe Parenting Your LGBYQ Teen: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/just-breathe-parenting-your-lgbtq-teen/id1486711596Robbin’s episode with Heather on Just Breathe: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-power-of-connection-an-interview-with-robbin-mcmanne/id1486711596?i=1000531758165About Heather Hester Heather is a podcast host and an advocate and coach for parents and allies of LGBTQIA+ adolescents and young adults. She believes the coming out process is equal parts beautiful and messy. She works with her clients to let go of fear and the feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their child in a meaningful, grounded way as well as move through the coming out process with understanding and love. She is a writer, the mother of four (two of whom are LGBTQIA), and a student of life who believes in embracing the messiness, opening to education, strengthening through empowerment, and overcoming anything with love.Contact information:Email: [email protected] Media:Website: www.chrysalismama.comPodcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/just-breathe-parenting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hhchrysalismama/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrysalismama/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysalismama/Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrysalismama1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCStxoUC1AC0T-otrjlf5IMwThanks for listening! For more on Robbin, her work and free resources, keep reading! READY FOR YOUR FAMILY CHECK UP CALL? If you’re feeling burnt out by bad behavior, worn down from constant battles and bickering and you’ve struggled to get the cooperation, respect and obedience you want from your kids, I’ve been there too. It might be time to learn new tools (that you’ve never been taught) to help you get your kids to listen to you, build teamwork, and grow the harmony in your home. FREE GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF STRONG-WILLED KIDS: “How to Turn a NO into Cooperation” go to www.strongwilledkids.com It means so much to me that you listened to my podcast! If you resonate with my message and would like my personal help in your parenting journey, I’d love to talk to you. Please visit my website to book a call with me where we can talk about your parenting frustrations and I’ll share how I can help you. www.parentingforconnection.comThe intention for my show is to build a community of parents that can have open and...