*written by young people attending counseling with Katherine
- Parents have to figure out the visit schedule and stick to it.
- No lying. Parents must be completely honest with us.
- Parents have to communicate about adult matters. No using kids as messengers.
- Know that seeing and feeling our parents’ stress makes us feel angry and sad. Talk to other adults about your stress not us.
- No saying bad things about the other parent. Remember we love and identify with you both.
- Give us extra space and love to adjust to these huge changes.
- Take time before introducing new dates and partners to us.
- Know that we are powerless about your choices and decisions so give us power and choice in other ways.
- Take time to listen to our experiences and needs.
- LGBTQ parents should remember we experience additional stress due to others not understanding our unique family identity.