When your child first comes out, you may have a million worries and questions:
Scared that your child is in trouble
Feeling torn about your beliefs
Worried that you’re not strong enough to handle this
Concerned about your child’s safety
Wondering how to manage your own reaction
Help is here.
This is your guide to help your child (and your family) process the news and create a positive path forward.
Which questions to ask that will support your child (and which to avoid)
How to process your feelings privately so you can be a better parent
Which will be the most effective strategies for your child & family going forward
How to be be a loving parent AND an ally - to have your child's back - in any situation
take a breath...
I've been there and figured it out for you
This was our collective journey as a family. It wasn’t always easy but we learned to:
We learned to communicate when it was painful and scary and at least one of us was filled with anger.
We learned to ask questions and respect boundaries - and to know when to do each.
We learned that peeling back the layers to find our authentic self is always worth the discomfort.
We learned the true meaning of unconditional love.
And, we learned that laughter and embracing the messiness would bring us together and get us through!
The “shoulding” and shame is real.
Answer this honestly - was your initial reaction a response to what your kid shared with you or was it about your stuff? There's no shame or judgment. Part of our journey in life is examining our previously held beliefs and letting them go.
My family blossomed when I learned to replace "should-ing" and shame with curiosity and love. With this, your relationship with your child can evolve too.
You are not alone.
In our journey, I was astonished to find few resources for parents of children who have just come out. My husband and I conducted hundreds of hours of research, desperate for guidance. We felt isolated and scared, but you don’t have to.
HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:
I've put all of our knowledge, resources, and experiences into an easy and short training module that you can do on your own or with your co-parent.
How manage out the coming out process
Processing your own feelings (alone or with your partner)
Questions to ask throughout the journey
How to handle siblings and close relatives
Managing maladaptive coping mechanisms
How to find a path forward to safety, peace, and acceptance for your child
With this course, you can learn how to navigate this new journey with your child.
7 easy modules that you can listen to at home, in the car, on a walk
Worksheets to help you process feelings and complex situations
Language guide to help you prepare for challenging conversations
BONUS: The Language of LGBTQIA+ Parent Guidebook
Terms to avoid (and what to say instead)
Definitions for terms you may not know
Pronouns and how to use them
Commonly confused terms
How to understand what your child means when say something
HOLIDAY BONUS - Buy before December 1
How to Handle the Holidays Exclusive Video
When is too soon (or just right) to let everyone know
How to make sure your family unit is on the same page before attending an event
How to handle it when some relatives know but others don’t
What to say when a relative asks you point blank
How to handle it when a relative isn’t an LBGTQIA+ ally
What to do when your child doesn’t want to attend a family gathering
Learn to be a loving advocate for your child today.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
It is important to be completely up to date with inclusive language. Heather's "The Language of LGBTQIA+" is everything you need.
Eden Olson, Ph.D.
Parent and Educator
Answered so many questions and explained so many terms that I have questioned - What a wonderful resource.
Jennifer McAuliffe
Parent
Our relationships with our kids are some of the most precious gifts that we can experience as human beings. Is there really a price tag on doing the work to make them as healthy as possible?
Sarah MacPhearson
Parent
A little info about...
Heather Hester
I am the founder of Chrysalis Mama which empowers LGBTQ+ people and their parents and allies and provides guidance as they navigate their journeys. I am also the creator/host of the Top 1% podcast Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen. As an advocate and coach, I believe the coming out process is equal parts beautiful and messy, encouraging my clients to let go of fear and feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their children with awareness and compassion. I also provide specialized programming within organizations and schools to empower allyship. I launched my first book in May 2024 - Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. (Familius Publishing) Married to the funniest guy I've ever known and the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini bernedoodle, I believe in being authentic and embracing the messiness. You can almost always find me with a cup coffee nearby whether I'm at my computer, on my yoga mat, or listening to my favorite music.
My mission when I started back in 2018 was to do everything I could to make sure no parent or family member felt the way we did, struggled the way we did, or stumbled the way we did when Connor came out. I infuse that feeling into everything I do!
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