Navigating Pride Month: Simple Ways to Learn and Talk with Your Kids (Even If It Doesn’t Align with Your Values)
Let’s be honest: Pride Month can bring up some complicated feelings for parents. On the one hand, you want to raise your kids to be kind and inclusive. On the other hand, you might feel uneasy or unsure about how to explain LGBTQIA+ topics, especially if they don’t align with your personal beliefs or how you were raised.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, How do I even start this conversation? or What if I don’t know the “right” thing to say?—you’re not alone. This month can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a great opportunity to model growth and empathy for your kids.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to agree with everything to engage with the idea of respect and understanding. Let’s break it down into some simple, practical ways to navigate Pride Month as a parent—even if you’re feeling a little hesitant.
1. Start with the Basics: It’s About Being Kind
The core message of Pride Month is simple: People deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter who they are or who they love. Start there. You don’t need to dive into complex discussions about gender identity or marriage laws unless your child brings it up. A simple explanation like, “Pride Month is when we celebrate people being true to who they are,” can go a long way.
If your child asks questions you’re unsure about, it’s okay to admit, “That’s a great question. Let’s learn about it together.” Kids don’t need perfection; they need openness.
2. Validate Your Own Feelings
It’s okay if this feels uncomfortable or new for you. Maybe you grew up in a community or family where these conversations didn’t happen—or were actively discouraged. Acknowledge that this is a learning process.
Tell yourself (and your kids, if it feels appropriate): “I might not know everything about this, but I want to learn because it’s important to treat everyone with respect.” Showing your kids that adults are capable of growth is a powerful lesson.
3. Books Are Your Best Friend
Sometimes, it’s easier to let a story do the talking. Children’s books about inclusion, diversity, and kindness can open the door to conversations in a way that feels natural and safe.
Books take the pressure off you to explain everything perfectly—and they often spark meaningful questions from kids.
4. Find Small Ways to Celebrate Differences
You don’t need to attend a Pride parade to acknowledge the month (though they’re often family-friendly with plenty of fun activities for the whole family). Instead, you can look for small, meaningful ways to celebrate differences in your day-to-day life:
• Watch a family-friendly movie with diverse characters
• Point out examples of inclusion in your community, like signs that say “Everyone is Welcome” or a rainbow flag
• Talk about how your family values kindness and acceptance, even if people have different beliefs or lifestyles
5. Practice “Listen and Learn” Parenting
If your child hears about Pride Month at school or from friends, they might have questions—or strong opinions of their own. Instead of feeling pressured to respond immediately, try saying, “That’s interesting! What do you think about that?”
Listening to your child’s thoughts and feelings creates a safe space for conversation. You don’t need to agree with everything they say, but showing you value their voice is crucial.
6. It’s Okay to Set Boundaries
If you’re not ready to dive into every aspect of LGBTQIA+ topics, that’s okay. You can still teach your kids the importance of simply treating others with respect. For example, you might say, “We don’t have to understand everything about someone’s life to be kind to them.”
It’s also okay to take time to process your own feelings. Parenting is about progress, not perfection.
7. Reflect Your Family’s Values While Staying Open
Every family is unique, and how you approach Pride Month will reflect your values. If your faith or personal beliefs shape your perspective, share that with your kids in an age-appropriate way. For example:
“In our family, we believe [value], but we also believe it’s important to treat everyone with love and respect. Even if we don’t agree with everything, we can still be kind and compassionate.”
This balance teaches kids that it’s possible to hold your beliefs while respecting others.
8. Use It as a Learning Opportunity for Yourself
You don’t have to dive headfirst into Pride Month, but consider taking small steps to learn more. Read a book or article, listen to a podcast, or talk to someone whose perspective might be different from yours. Understanding doesn’t mean you have to agree—it just helps you see the world through a wider lens.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient With Yourself
Navigating Pride Month as a parent can feel tricky, but remember: You’re showing your kids what it looks like to approach the world with curiosity, respect, and an open heart. Whether you’re celebrating, learning, or just starting to engage with these topics, your efforts matter.
So take a deep breath, grab a good book, and remind yourself—you don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing up and being willing to listen is a big step forward.
