And that, too, would be perfectly natural! Experts say kids usually develop their first childhood crush at age 5 or 6. Your son’s answer about what it means to be gay also makes me wonder if maybe he has a crush on another boy. Most people think that gay people come out as teenagers (or later), and that they couldn’t possibly know about sexuality before puberty. His simple explanation of wanting to marry a boy when he grows up reflects an understanding of what the possibilities are for love, and how natural it is to be gay. In addition to teaching your son about sexuality and the variety that exists in romantic attractions, I applaud you for giving him the language to express his sensibility of love and affection. I’m hopeful you both realize how loved and safe your son must feel to share what he knows about himself with you.Īs a society we tend to assume that all kids are straight, but that is just not true.
When every parent can say their child is growing up in a home where sexuality is openly discussed, we will have moved that much closer to a society that fully accepts and respects the spectrum that exists in how we love and who we love. Please help.”įirst off, I want to congratulate you and your husband for creating a gay-positive environment in your home.
Is this too young to understand? I asked him if he understood what gay meant and he said, “Um, Mom, I want to marry a boy when I grown up.” My husband and I have a difference of opinion on how to proceed. He has grown up in a household where sexuality is openly discussed and his aunt is gay. “My 8-year-old son is self-identifying as gay. My advice follows the question below that was sent in anonymously. Do you know how you would react or respond? My latest column for the wonderful folks at My Kid Is Gay offers some “do’s” and “don’ts” to help bring out your best inner parent in that scenario. Let’ say you’re the straight mom or dad of a young child who happily tells you they’re gay. Facebook Messenger Twitter LinkedIn Email