Navigating Parenting with Pride: Practical Steps and Insights from Jodi Liston and Author Heather Hester

A few weeks ago I had the privilege to virtually sit down with Jodi Liston, President and Founder of Liston Education Group. Our conversation was a beautiful way to wrap up Pride Month, discussing important things parents can do to support their LGBTQ+ teens and themselves.

As the parent of an LGBTQ+ child you know that the path can be particularly intricate. Even when you are supportive, loving and accepting, both you and your child will likely face challenges, fears and questions you’re not sure how to navigate. 

In addition to highlighting my new book, Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen, we shared personal stories while exploring essential steps for nurturing and advocating for LGBTQ+ teens at home and in school. Our conversation sheds light on critical topics such as: embracing diversity, the coming out process for teens and the coming out process for parents, how parents can empower their teens, and the importance of self-care for parents.

Listen to the FULL Conversation Here

Important Takeaways

Heather Hester’s 3 Practical Steps for Parents of LGBTQ+ Teens:

1. Engage with the Process: Understanding and Patience

Even in the most loving and accepting homes, it can take both parents and teens a little time to fully understand, accept, and adjust to their new reality. Acknowledging that it’s an ever changing process can help you navigate the emotional landscape with greater ease, openness, and understanding. Patience is so important. Saying, "Hey, I'm trying," can allow for a more compassionate and supportive environment for your teen. 

2. Empower Your Child: Give Them Ownership of Their Journey

Empowering your child to have ownership over who you share their information with is vital. Parents often feel the need to share the news with friends and family, but it’s important to respect your child’s privacy and autonomy. Remember, this is their journey, not yours. Have a conversation with your teen to decide who they want to share with and when they feel ready to do so. You can also ask who they would prefer that you tell. This empowers them and respects their journey, fostering a sense of control and confidence​​.

3. Embrace the Messiness: Finding Beauty in the Discomfort Together

It is human nature to be afraid of mess and discomfort, but in this case it's essential to embrace it. Parenting on its own can be uncomfortable, when your child comes out it can add a whole other level of beautiful mess. Recognize that it's okay to feel messy and uncomfortable at times. The true beauty lies in navigating these challenges together, creating a deeper bond and understanding. It's important to give yourself permission to feel uncertain and to be open, honest, and willing to laugh about it together. Having this mindset can be a powerful way to show your commitment and willingness to grow alongside your teen.

Additional Insights:

The Intersection of Educational Consulting and LGBTQ+ Advocacy

At Liston Education Group, we often work with families whose children identify as LGBTQ+. These families can face additional social, emotional, and sometimes neurodevelopmental challenges. Our conversation with Heather underscored the importance of a holistic approach in addressing these multifaceted needs, emphasizing that working with an Educational Consultant can be crucial for supporting these families. Together they can come up with an expertly backed plan to help your child achieve both in and out of the classroom as they’re navigating their coming out journey.

Talk to an Educational Consultant Today

Navigating the Dual Processes of Coming Out

Heather emphasized that parents must recognize and navigate their own emotional responses. The realization that parents and children go through separate yet intertwined processes can help in understanding and supporting each other better. Parents need to mourn the loss of their preconceived notions about their child's future and embrace the new reality with love and acceptance. 

To listen to Heather’s personal experience with her son Connor, who, despite growing up in a loving and accepting home, was terrified to come out check out the full audio recording below

Building Stronger Family Bonds

Navigating these challenges can create deeper, unbreakable bonds within the family. Heather shared how vulnerability and open communication with her husband and Connor helped them grow closer. This process of peeling back layers and addressing uncomfortable truths allowed them to support each other better and emerge stronger as a family unit. 

Parenting with Pride

Heather Hester's Parenting with Pride is a vital resource for parents of LGBTQ+ children, offering guidance, support, and practical advice. The core of this book is about unconditional love, providing a roadmap for parents to navigate the complexities of supporting their LGBTQ+ teen, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity, practicing self-care, and empowering children to own their stories.

In celebrating Pride Month, this conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, love, and understanding. By sharing their experiences and insights, Heather and Jodi hope to inspire parents to embrace the journey with pride and compassion, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

For those interested in learning more, Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen is available on Amazon and Audible. It is a powerful testament to the transformative power of unconditional love and the importance of advocating for our LGBTQ+ youth. You can also listen to the full conversation for more insights and tips on raising an LGBTQ+ teen.

By incorporating these practical steps into your parenting approach, you can create a supportive and loving environment, helping your family thrive in a world that can often be challenging. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment, own your mistakes, empower your child, and embrace the messiness of life. Your openness and dedication can make a significant difference in your child's life.

Discover More and Listen to the FULL Conversation