For Lesbian Parents: Your Guide to Helping Your Family Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Proud

by Suzanne M. Johnson, Elizabeth O'Connor

Raising a child is overwhelming, thrilling, exhausting, terrifying, and joyous--and all at the same time. In addition to the adjustments that any new parents must make, lesbian mothers face numerous special questions and concerns. From "coming out" to your child to coping with the pressures of trying to be a lesbian super-mom, this wise and reassuring book offers information and support for women forging a new path in what it means to be a family. The authors are uniquely qualified for the task as expert developmental psychologists who are also coparenting two young daughters. With clarity and wit, they offer helpful advice on what kids need to know, and at what age; how to help them respond to questions and teasing from peers; ways to foster sensitivity in relatives, teachers, and others; how to talk to teens about their own developing sexuality; how parenting affects couple relationships; and much more. Chapters are packed with the insights and experiences of lesbians who have come to be parents in a variety of ways. Also included are listings of useful web sites, publications, and other resources.

Winner--Best Parenting Book, ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards

Genres: LGBT, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2001

Reviews

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice reference book. Some sections may not apply to your particular situation but you are likely to find some useful and perhaps previously overlooked information. This is quite an exciting year for me because I'm well along in my IVF pregnancy. My totally committed and supportive partner is taking such wonderful care of me. She is truly the love of my life:)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked everything about this book. I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to be a parent and this book helped relieve many of the concerns I had. Deals more with the psychological affects on both the parents and the child with lesbian parents. It is written in very plain English (no psycho-babble) and is very practical, down to earth, and honest.