I know, it’s hard being a parent. I am a parent of two rainbow children (and one angel baby). The only thing in the world we want for our children is for everything to be okay. For them to thrive, live safely, be healthy, happy, and loved.

Well, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you’re reading this, if you are wanting this for your child, you are winning at parenting already. Let’s talk about it.

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

— Norton Juster

Your First Steps.

As a parent who has an inkling, or has had a child express themselves as on the gender or sexuality spectrum, there are a few initial steps you can take for your child.

Listen to what they express and say, without judgment. Soak it all in, holding space for them with love and heart.
Validate. This simply means acknowledge their feelings they expressed, and their hopes, without judgement.
Love. Show love for them, and let them know you’re ready to hear what they would like you to help with next.
Move forward, with support, together. What is next for your journey? Does your child need help with friends, or school? If they are old enough to express what they need help with then let them lead, and ask how you can help. If not, suggest ideas on what you can assist with or do for them, and see how they react.
Move at your child’s pace, and realize they may change their mind on the speed or how they are expressing their identity. Children spend most of their adolescence formulating their personality and identity, and take feedback from their environment. Remain supportive with it all and you will be helping their self-esteem along the way.