Dear Parents,

As the mother of two teenage daughters, I’ve realized something obvious to most parents: talking about sexuality with kids is not easy.

I found it awkward and uncomfortable at first, even frightening at times. But I also knew it was important to talk about tough topics with my children so they could trust me for correct information, and so I could share my values with them.

The more we talked, the better we all felt.

The Mental Health America asked me to write this brochure out of concern for the impact anti-gay prejudice and discrimination have on children - gay and straight. People have different views about homosexuality, but most Americans believe that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect.

Children learn about gays and lesbians at a young age from television, the playground and their friends. It’s far better for you and your child to talk about issues like sexual orientation when your child is young and before she or he gets bad information and is exposed to prejudice.

While a recent poll showed that 76 percent of all American parents are willing to discuss sexual orientation with their children, nearly as many wanted a guidebook to help them through this process. Like many parents who are straight, I wasn’t sure where to start or what kind of information our kids wanted.

We are a society with many kinds of families. Many of us have neighbors, friends and family members who are gay. Kids recognize this but may still be confused about sexual orientation. They will look to you for guidance on how to act and feel.

In these pages, I share what I’ve learned as both a parent and a doctor.

The Mental Health America (NMHA) has created these web pages to provide additional guidance and resources for parents. As part of the research for this brochure, NMHA spoke with straight parents across the country about their experiences talking to their kids about sexual orientation. Throughout this brochure we’ve included stories and advice from those interviews.

This brochure doesn’t have all the answers, but I hope it’s a starting place to open a healthy dialogue with your child.

Lynn Ponton, M.D.

 

For more information, contact:
Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA  22311
Phone 800-969-NMHA (6642)
TTY 800-433-5959
Fax 703-684-5968
Email: infoctr@nmha.org

Overview
Booklet for Parents
Print Version (154kPDF)

• Introduction
• Why Should I Read This?
• Tips for Your Discussion

How to Talk with:

• Pre-School Age Children
• School-Age Children
• Teenagers

Questions and Answers
Resources
Tip Sheets

• Bullying and What to Do About It
• Bullying and Gay Youth

National Mental Health Association
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959