Preparing your child to deal with prejudice when it is still an abstract concept is one thing. Helping your child cope when he or she has heard anti-gay sentiments, or witnessed or been involved in an anti-gay attack, is another story.
There are many ways to find out whether your child's school has incorporated welcoming practices and policies.
The state of Massachusetts has led the way in making schools safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and those perceived to be lesbian or gay.
Every child has the right to feel safe at school no matter what the students, parents or even school administrators in your community happen to think about your sexual orientation.
Initially, like all children, our children wonder where they came from. As they grow older and gain information about biology and how babies are conceived, they may come to ask questions about the creation of our families.