Your child has just come to you and told you he or she thinks they may be bisexual. What do you do? First, you thank your child for being open and sharing with you about something that has probably been weighing heavily on their minds. Your reaction to this will have a signifcant impact on how your child views your relationship and whether or not they continue coming to you with things that are affecting them.
Next, you tell your child you love them and accept them for who they are. Being a preteen is a difficult time in general for your child. Adding confusion about their sexual identity only makes it worse. Unlike many gay and lesbian children who often figure it out in their grammar school years, bisexuals tend to question their preferences in middle and high school. They need to know that you will love them if they're straight, bisexual, gay or lesbian and will accept and support them.
Lastly, you should visit some of the sites listed on the Resource page or read some of the books recommended in the Bookstore (you may be able to borrow them through your library or an inter-library program if you don't want to buy the books). These will give you advice on how to handle your child's same-sex relationships, questions, and problems. Share the information you learn with your child and invite them to come to you with any questions they might have.
