by Patricia Watson

Created on: September 20, 2009

A parents reaction to the news their child is gay, is pivotal in the child's acceptance of their own sexuality. Children seek praise and support from their parents. This dynamic doesn't change just because a child is homosexual. Parental love should be unconditional.

Your reaction to the fact that your child is gay has the potential to either nurture or destroy your child. It is an unfortunate and very sad reality that the streets are home to many runaway gay teens. When faced with rejection by their parents, they often choose to leave a home that offers no safety net of support.

Most parents will stand by a child who has failing grades, or is in trouble with the law. They don't kick their child to the curb if they choose to follow another type of religion. In an ideal world, no child would be spurned by parents for following a different sexual orientation.

~What parents should do when their child comes out.

~Love and support them. Your child still feels pain and hurt. Their sexual orientation does not change this fact. They need you now more than ever. Look at your child through loving eyes, and you will still see the same child you gave birth too. With the support of their parents, gay children can face any challenge in their world.

~School them in safe sex practices. Whether straight or gay, a parent needs to keep their child informed on ways to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. Once a parent has absorbed the fact that their child is gay, they need to do the research necessary to offer their child the best avenues for practicing safe sex.

~Carry on with life. Your world, as a parent, does not need to stop spinning just because your child has decided to be honest about their sexual preferences. Be proud of your child, for facing who they are and being honest with you and other friends and family members. Telling a parent they are gay, is likely the hardest confession a child will ever make.

A gay child, who decides to come out to their parents, does not suddenly become a different person. They are still the same child you have raised from infancy. Their emotions and likes and dislikes are still the same. If they loved reading, sports or playing video games, they will still enjoy these very same pursuits. You, as the parent, do not have to make any changes in your world.

If parents continue to see their child as a human being first, capable of accomplishing anything they desire in life, the family dynamic does not have to change.

Gay or straight, people need to be loved by their family members. It may sound trite, but parents who don't waiver in their emotional support, will see their gay child grow up to be a remarkable and accomplished adult.

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