When parents discover that their teen is struggling with something, their first inclination might be to think the worst. Calmly talking to your teen is the best approach. Listening and allowing them to open up, tell you what is bothering them is also going to be helpful to both of you. Helping them with LGBT youth resources could be a way to comfort your teen.
Your son may come right out and ask you questions he is having difficulty answering for himself. Or he could take his time about telling you he has a major problem. If this is the way he decides to tell you something is bothering him, then you will know early on that you will need to start the conversation first.
Listening, even if you have a million things you want to say, is going to be the best approach. Your teen will want to talk about his or her feelings and probably feels as if they do not have another person in world they can confide in. That is why listening is so important to them. When they do ask your opinion, think before you speak. Do not put them down for their feelings; feelings cannot be helped.
If you cannot control your feelings, tell your teen that, but do it in a calm, civilized manner. They do not deserve to be yelled at or punished for being who they are. It took a lot of courage to come and talk to you. You may offer to find another adult or even a young adult who would listen to them and might offer some guidance into their confusing new life.
If you feel confident you can help your teen without getting upset, offer him or her assistance. This could be in the form of research online or going to a counseling service together. Whatever type of resource you think your teen would benefit from, offer to be a partner in their journey, a non-judgmental, loving partner.
Even though bullying has been featured in the media more, it has been a constant in schools around the world for decades. Young girls whose classmates figure out their secret begin making fun of them early on at school. Bullying the weaker kid makes the bully feel bigger, better. And when the other kids join in, laugh or do nothing, this gives even more power to the bully.
If your son wishes to speak to someone other than you or a counselor at school, you could direct him to one of the reputable online centers for gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual individuals. He could also call a toll-free number if he felt more comfortable talking to a live person. You can reassure him that these places of information are confidential and there to help him, not make fun or pass judgment on him.
You love your son unconditionally and when he is troubled, you feel bad; you want to fix things for him. The best you might do for your son is to listen to him and offer help with LGBT youth resources you research through local counseling centers or online services. When your son is happier, you will be, too. And he can get on with his life, scheduling college and beyond.
Your son may come right out and ask you questions he is having difficulty answering for himself. Or he could take his time about telling you he has a major problem. If this is the way he decides to tell you something is bothering him, then you will know early on that you will need to start the conversation first.
Listening, even if you have a million things you want to say, is going to be the best approach. Your teen will want to talk about his or her feelings and probably feels as if they do not have another person in world they can confide in. That is why listening is so important to them. When they do ask your opinion, think before you speak. Do not put them down for their feelings; feelings cannot be helped.
If you cannot control your feelings, tell your teen that, but do it in a calm, civilized manner. They do not deserve to be yelled at or punished for being who they are. It took a lot of courage to come and talk to you. You may offer to find another adult or even a young adult who would listen to them and might offer some guidance into their confusing new life.
If you feel confident you can help your teen without getting upset, offer him or her assistance. This could be in the form of research online or going to a counseling service together. Whatever type of resource you think your teen would benefit from, offer to be a partner in their journey, a non-judgmental, loving partner.
Even though bullying has been featured in the media more, it has been a constant in schools around the world for decades. Young girls whose classmates figure out their secret begin making fun of them early on at school. Bullying the weaker kid makes the bully feel bigger, better. And when the other kids join in, laugh or do nothing, this gives even more power to the bully.
If your son wishes to speak to someone other than you or a counselor at school, you could direct him to one of the reputable online centers for gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual individuals. He could also call a toll-free number if he felt more comfortable talking to a live person. You can reassure him that these places of information are confidential and there to help him, not make fun or pass judgment on him.
You love your son unconditionally and when he is troubled, you feel bad; you want to fix things for him. The best you might do for your son is to listen to him and offer help with LGBT youth resources you research through local counseling centers or online services. When your son is happier, you will be, too. And he can get on with his life, scheduling college and beyond.
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