-
=X
Welcome Log out
Are you a life coach, business coach or NLP practitioner? Join us Log in
Find a coach
  • Home
  • Coaching Areas
  • NLP
  • FAQs
  • Articles
  • Local events
  • Your stories
Welcome !
Member's AreaLog out
Log inJoin us
Bookmarks (-)
  • Home>
  • Articles>
  • Coming out

Coming out

by Emma Hilton, writer at Life Coach Directory
March 2nd, 2010
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Bookmark
March 2nd, 2010
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Bookmark
We usually associate the issue of ‘coming out’ and revealing that we are gay as something that teenagers/children struggle to tell their parents, but what about when it is the other way round? How does a parent tell their children that they are gay?

An interesting letter recently appeared on The Guardian website which tackled the issue and gave some great advice to a mother who was concerned about discussing the topic with her kids. This advice doesn’t just apply to parents and children but also to anyone who has concerns about coming out to their family or friends.

  • Firstly, don’t assume that your children will be closed minded about the issue. After all you have brought them up and they are likely to take many of the same views about life as you do. Perhaps you grew up in a household which was intolerant of homosexuality and this is making you nervous but remember that your children are a new generation and will have their own view on things.
  • Speak to someone from the Lesbian and Gay Foundation 0845 3303030 lgf.org.uk. There are tonnes of trained people there who will be able to help you through your worries and they will even role play the conversation with you to help you build up some confidence. Vocalising what you are planning to say is important and going through this with one of the counsellors will ensure that tell your children in a clear and non confusing fashion.
  • It is important that you have this conversation in a quiet, confidential and familiar place where you don’t have an imposed time limit, such as a restaurant. It is probably best to decide in advance how open you are going to be. After all we know how blunt children can be, they tend to say what most of us are thinking but would never dram of voicing. Don’t be surprised if you get questioned about having sex with the same sex! Let them know that they are always welcome to discuss the matter with you at any time and also be aware that they will probably talk to other people about this too. If they decide they want to talk to a neutral source then childline is a great option (childline.org.uk, 0800 1111).
  • Lastly, be confident and don’t apologise. There is nothing to be sorry for even if they react badly try not to apologise and if you do then only apologise for the shock caused and nothing else.

    RelationshipsFamily
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

    Other articles by Emma

    • Success and Failure – are they really so different?
    • How to: Become an early riser
    • Think yourself happy
    Marital bliss cuts the risk of strokes in men Open relationships are on the increase
    Find a business or life coach near you
    advanced search

    Interesting sites

    • Guardian
    • Institute of Career Guidance
    • Telegraph
    • Times Online
    Interesting sites
    Guardian Institute of Career Guidance Telegraph Times Online

    print this page

    Related articles View all

    Relationships Friendship
    Article author image
    Deepen your relationship this February and beyond
    By Sarah Jane Khalid: Specialist in stress, resilience, confidence & career
    February is the month of love, and many of us start focusing on our romantic...
    Relationships Personal development
    Article author image
    Search your soul
    By Damian Duguid
    Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you can’t get someone out of your...
    Relationships Personal development
    Article author image
    Men and divorce
    By Lynn Clements Divorce/Separation & Small Business Coach
    When a marriage ends it affects both parties, and men and women can suffer equally,...

    Connect with us

    Facebook
    Twitter
    "Djembe drumming - healing power" in Faversham is starting Wed 22nd May https://t.co/uI2E6rzxW3
    Get involved
    More information
    • Home
    • About
    • Legal terms
    • Cookie policy
    • Privacy notice
    • Browse by region
    • Links
    • Press Centre
    • Site help

    Company Details

    • Life Coach Directory, Building 3
    • Riverside Way, Camberley
    • Surrey, GU15 3YL
    • Membership Services Team: 0333 325 2501 *
    • Contact us
    • * Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calling an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.

    Copyright © 2019
    Site by Memiah Limited

    Healthy ideas that change the world

    Get our free monthly e-magazine straight to your inbox

    Find out more at happiful.com

    Happiful magazine cover
    Before using our site, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notice and Cookies policy. By continuing to use this site we'll assume you agree to both.
    Ok