June is Pride month, which celebrates the awareness and acceptance of the LGTBQ+ community. You may not realize that someone you love or hold dear is part of this community, and in general, people should always be kind to others.
Community
Even if you don’t consider yourself religious, most people have heard the Bible phrase of “Treat others as you would like to be treated”. This phrase has a far reaching impact in terms of community, love, friendship, and togetherness. You should love your fellow man, woman, or person just the way they are, or want to be.
Awareness with Your Children
It’s important to instill a culture of love and acceptance in your children as well. We as a species are designed to notice differences, as it’s an instinctual method to aid us from predators and danger. But this can often backfire with our young kids, as they see differences and usually say something about it out loud. It can be embarrassing and awkward at times, and it’s always a good excuse to talk to your kids about acceptance and why some things are different. It’s also a good way to show them that the world and all the finer details don’t always have to be black and white, either.
Listen to Your Kids
Oftentimes, when someone comes out to a friend, parent, or partner, it is later in their life. But these feelings and thoughts are sometimes in that person’s brain and heart for much, much longer than that. Being frank, and open and honest with your kids can help open a dialogue if they are struggling with their feelings or thoughts. It is important to show your kids that there is no judgement when it comes to how they feel about their bodies. It is also good to be aware as a parent, in case they also have anything going on medically too.
Support System
Being that safe space for your kids to open up to can help them to be themselves, and express themselves however they want. It can be a very difficult and scary world out there, but if your children know they can rely on you 100%, it will make growing up much easier for them.
Happy Pride Month!
Katie Kyzivat