And other questions children of same-sex couples may face in school
As school starts, both parents and children can experience anxiety about what will happen. Your child may be thinking, Will I make friends? Will I fit in? Will my teacher like me? In addition to the stresses that all children may have, children who have same-sex parents can also have to answer questions about their parents that may be difficult to explain to their peers. As parents scramble to assemble supplies and new school clothes, same-sex couples may have different worries: that their children will have to face the same discrimination they have had to face. Many children of same-sex couples experience the same discrimination as GLBT students by teachers, administrators, school boards and their peers.
How have you prepared you and your child to enter the academic world that is still not entirely accepting of same-sex couples? Which parent is recognized by the school? Do they include both parents in responsibilities and activities? Have you talked to your kid(s) about how to navigate the obstacles that may be placed in their way by the curriculum which may be heterosexually biased? Have you and your partner discussed what you will do if you are excluded from school activities because of your sexual orientation?
These pressures can lead to problems at home and in your relationship with each other and your child. At Houston Relationship Therapy, we are sensitive to these challenges. We can work with you and your children to process the negative backlash that you could experience due to discrimination and assist you in coming up with positive solutions.
If you have any further questions about this topic or to schedule a session with one of our clinicians, please CONTACT US.
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