Coming out to children??

rickydrexel

I think the earlier the better; in fact, I think waiting until they "understand it" is way later than it should be.

Early exposure makes it more likely they will 'accept' it and not use it as a point of resentment. Further, as alexandyr85 says, most kids aren't stupid. They probably already know, or at least suspect, unless you don't see them often, which I hope is not the case.

Just tell them, but personally, I recommend doing so in a way other than "let's sit down and have a really serious discussion", I'd try to find a way to bring it up in a casual conversation that has a lead-in, like LGBT rights or watching a TV show that has an LGBT character in it or the like. It'll make it less awkward for both of you.

Agreed!! Thanks!!

bonerrs

In the US, I would say if your kid is in school, they probably get it by now. But I think there most definitely an element of the appropriate timing of a conversation. I know one friend whose 7 year old son just up and asked him one day, "Daddy, do you, you know, like like Steve? Because if you do, you should probably tell him."

It was his way of encouraging his single father to pursue a relationship with someone that he knew my friend enjoyed spending time with. In fact, the three of them would often do things together, like go to the zoo, and the movies.

I think a lot of the language is out there now, for kids. They can identify GLBT characters in media, and it is part of conversation more so than at any time. But I think really, only you know your kid. But I will say, they are pretty smart.

kagaminelen

@Sphygmotsu:

I think the earlier the better; in fact, I think waiting until they "understand it" is way later than it should be.

Early exposure makes it more likely they will 'accept' it and not use it as a point of resentment. Further, as alexandyr85 says, most kids aren't stupid. They probably already know, or at least suspect, unless you don't see them often, which I hope is not the case.

Just tell them, but personally, I recommend doing so in a way other than "let's sit down and have a really serious discussion", I'd try to find a way to bring it up in a casual conversation that has a lead-in, like LGBT rights or watching a TV show that has an LGBT character in it or the like. It'll make it less awkward for both of you.

Oh that's a good idea

Neptunes

I don't have children of my own, but I work with children and have two nephews and a neice. I have never seen any reason to hide anything. I personally don't believe in a person being gay, straight or bi or whatever, so I don't tell people I am this or that sexuality, but I wouldn't hide or lie about the fact that I was engaged to a dude before. And that I have dated guys. Of course there's a time and place for everything and discussing your sex life with a young child is not something that they're ready for, but if a kid knows that a mom and dad are together what's the problem of that kid knowing that I am together with a guy?

dannyfromnb

I do not currently have children but its not something to hide. One of my straight friends has a 4 year old child with his fiance and she comes over with them to visit me and my man… they just act like they usually do, introducing their friends to their child and showing her we are just like any other couple.

Should be brought up kind of like the topic of sex... as it comes up, no pressure, no hiding. I'd say to anyone with children to just be yourself and don't worry so much about it.

alveer

hmmm

revenger

Let them find out. Makes it look easier

ckboy

It mostly depends on the context in which he grew up. In a liberal one, 13 is enough but in a conservative one is not.

killerbody14

Gay parents children probably are well educated and decent children. They will understand it, and they wont have any problems with that. However, right time should be waited

spam17

It’s never too early to come out to your child/ren.

Kids understand love.

What they don’t understand is deception or hiding.

And it’s never too late to come out to your child.