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Parents should step-up and lead the way in teaching their children about homosexuality as part of their teaching their children about the critical issues of sex education. This process should begin at home and, later, parents should lead the way by being involved in the development of the family life or sex education curriculum at their child's school and should discuss age-appropriate issues with their children.

Having parents lead the way does not eliminate schools from the picture. Teachers are the eyes and ears for the parents should a situation or question arise through the course of the day.If there is some reason why homosexuality has become a topic of interest or concern, the parents can address the issue at home and, if warranted, can let the school know that the issue needs their attention as well. This will vary, of course, with the age and developmental level of the child.

The prevalence of homosexuality has increased in the schools to where middle school students often know of relationships within the school, at least by eighth grade. High school administrations and teachers have tried to curtail public displays of affection in the hallways for years, and these now include boys with boys and girls with girls. This will vary with the school community, but parents need to be there to teach their children so that the children and adolescents get solid information rather than to rely on hearsay.

Depending on the age of the child, it can be very much part of their development to be aware of homosexuality and to even be curious about it. Students will make comments or say things about the issue and this need not be a problem at all.

If the student makes frequent references to the issue or is on the receiving end of the remarks of other children, then the teacher may simply want to mention it to the guidance counselor who can go from there.

Guidance counselors have the training to have an appropriate reaction and approach to dealing with it, if it is, in fact, an issue. The guidance counselor is also trained to think of the parents as an important part of the picture and can determine if, and when they need to be involved.

Parents, you know your child and his or her developmental level. Watch for cues that it is time to talk to your child.Lead the way. Use resources available at your child's school. Ask to see their grade level health education curriculum. Supplement that program with what you think your child needs to know.

Spend time with your children, so that when questions arise, you are there to provide the appropriate information to each of your children.

Learn more about this author, E.M.Robinson.
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