Always My Child

by Kevin Jennings

The first book to focus on the day-to-day experiences of adolescents dealing with sexual identity issues, Always My Child provides the insights and practical strategies parents need to support their kids and cope themselves.Parents whose children are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or who are going through a "questioning phase" are often in the dark about what their children face every day. As a result, offering support that will comfort and fortify them feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.In Always My Child, Kevin Jennings supplies the missing pieces by guiding parents through the world their child inhabits. He explains what these teens often encounter -- teasing and harassment -- and offers solutions for parents who want to better understand their LGBTQ children and learn how to protect their self-esteem. He offers advice, including how Initiate constructive communication with their childRespond effectively to frequently asked questionsRecognize depression and signs of drug abuse and harassmentSuccessfully advocate for their child's well-being outside the homeAlways My Child makes it possible for parents to create the kind of relationship with their children that allows them to grow into emotionally healthy adults.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, Parenting, LGBT, Psychology

Paperback

First published August 15, 2002

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be a good resource for people with reservations or difficulty in accepting or acknowledging that their child is LGBTQ. Personally, I don't have these challenges, so what this book did for me was help me experience a little bit of the thoughts and feelings my child may be having and I appreciate the advice on how to bring up or address certain topics. The book is a bit dated as it was written in the early 2000s, but perhaps older parents of teens may better relate to the author(s). I'm about 15 years younger than the target audience and a lot of progress with LGBTQ rights has been made since the book was published.

The book covers many topics, but mostly brushes the surface on many of them. There are chapters on being LGBTQ and an ethnic minority. There's one on transgendered kids. Again, great starting points for parents, but they just scratch the surface. The book helps one identify areas where the reader might like to further explore topics in greater detail.

There are many references in the back of the book that may be helpful, though I don't know if they are still relevant--I haven't checked yet. If nothing else, it's a starting point.

This book is a good starting point for parents of LGBTQ kids looking to learn more about the challenges they face and how to make some initial steps to be a supportive part of their lives.

[Jamie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first book on the topic. A great introduction.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my book club--so far so good!

[Craftywritingstudio · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for parents, professionals, and friends. Kevin Jennings provides an in-depth narrative about how to talk about the issues, and how to make GLBTQ teens feel safe and loved.

[Lori Russie Judkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written. However, I would recommend it for parents of adolescents. Also for anyone involved in GSA or Pflag. Also anyone wondering if their child may be LGBT.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just skimmed the few chapters that were relevant to me, but it seemed well-written and a good resource.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT resource book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

from the library