THE IMPACT THAT LGBT PARENTS HAVE ON THEIR CHILDREN

Teenagers with same-sex parents said they felt more connected in school. Another study reports that children in gay and lesbian households are more likely to talk about emotionally difficult topics and are often more resilient, compassionate and tolerant. The same concerns that many heterosexual parents face when choosing to have children also face same-sex parents, including time, money, and the responsibilities of parenting. Also, be warm and tolerant, set boundaries, teach open and honest communication, healthy conflict resolution, and monitoring of the child’s peer network and extracurricular activities the family and dealing with extended family members who may not support same-sex parenting. One of the greatest challenges for families with same-sex parents is that they have to live in a culture that supports heterosexual and homophobic attitudes and beliefs, which can affect these families in a variety of ways. Family and include children from previous heterosexual marriages. Some of these families can handle disagreements from other family members about the authenticity and validity of their family patterns. Lack of support from a previous heterosexual partner or other biological parent can lead to great conflict and suffering. Within the family system.  Today there are many therapists who specialize in lesbian and gay topics and offer the family a safe, value-free and understanding environment. Not received by the wider social arena.

Important issues affecting families with same-sex parents that are often addressed in therapy:  

•    Families with lesbian and gay parents may have concerns about discrimination in parenting and custody arrangements. A reason to limit or deny custody by the other parent of the children and / or by the courts.
•      The many complexities of shared parenting and family reunification that exist for heterosexual parents may also exist for same-sex parents, with the added complexity of discrimination, stereotypes, and assumptions. 
•     Relationships and problems with nonbiological parenting figures are common in families of gay and lesbian parents simply because of the biological complexity involved in conceiving children when the parents are of the same sex.
•  In same-sex relationships, it is common for the extended family to recognize intimate relationships differently than heterosexual relationships; This discriminatory treatment can also be confused with paternity relationships. The extended family may view parenting as a necessary step in confirming a relationship for same-sex couples, or they may view parenting with similar biased and discriminatory views, and even deny a parent’s relationship with the children.
•     Explaining marital status and family composition to school staff, medical professionals, friends / parents of children, and explaining marital status and family composition to children can be particularly complex for the child’s parents.
•       Competent parenting may be influenced by gay and lesbian parents’ ability to accept and acknowledge their identity and how they are able to negotiate living in a heterosexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory society, while rearing their children in a family unit that is not socially sanctioned.

           Written by:- Yash Johari