Tips for Parents With a Child Who Is Sexually Confused
Sexuality is one of the most important and defining aspects of our lives. The human experience of sexuality not only involves the aim of procreation, but has several other functions as well. Sexuality can strengthen and deepen a relationship; can makeup artist serve as a method to relieve tension; is widely seen as a way of self-expression; and not to minimize it, it is usually a joyful activity.
Humans have a far more complex sexuality than any other species. This kind of complexity broadens the opportunities to have more fun and derive more pleasure from sexual activities, but it is also a source of problems associated with desires, wishes and actions associated with sex.
Adolescence is often portrayed as a critical period of life when youth must take a dangerous passage between childhood and adulthood, especially as it relates to sexuality. Research focuses on the turmoil and instability of teens. The behavior of youth is usually considered risky and tumultuous, rather than creative or inquisitive. Adolescents are depicted as troubled and in need of intervention. Gay and straight youth occupy different positions on the line of instability and risk.
Emotional crisis and turmoil is not as common for straight adolescents who usually end up in a “proper” adulthood, while gay youth are a subculture, and have difficult relations with adults and heterosexual peers. Gay youth are a population at risk, according to scientific opinion. They are more likely to develop mental health problems, commit suicide, have problems with substance abuse, and under-achieve in school. There should be more emphasis on the risk-identified specific problems of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Questioning) youth. LGBTQ youth are no different from their heterosexual peers in the sense that they need to form their own identities, but they have a sub cultural need for information and community as well.
Here are some tips for parents, who have a child with sexual confusion, or an LGBTQ identity:
- Your kid is yours, regardless of his or her sexual orientation.
- Accepting the teen, providing love, caring and support is the best way to prevent negative outcomes.
- Don’t unintentionally encourage your child to lie (encourage honesty).
- Adolescence is the time of experimenting. Do not take that away.
- Sexual orientation is not a choice. It cannot be changed by any “therapy.”
- The aim of sexually confused or LGBTQ youth is the same as their heteros