Children are not always who we think they are or expect them to be. Raising children with healthy self-esteem means supporting them and authentically loving them for who they really are.
Join Heather Hester (spouse/partner, YPO Chicago Metro Gold) for an in-depth discussion about how families can help their LGBTQIA teenagers embrace their differences and accept themselves. After her 16-year-old son Connor came out as gay in 2017, Heather learned that he had known since he was 13 that he felt different. She also discovered that her son, the oldest of four, the high-achiever, and ever the rule follower and pleaser, was absolutely brilliant at living two lives. While maintaining good grades at school, he was spiraling: self-harming, smoking pot, drinking, vaping, and engaging in very dangerous behavior to ease the pain and intensity of his inner struggle. He was filled with self-loathing. From this low point, Connor began to accept who he was, began healing and learning numerous coping techniques that would prove useful. Through all the messiness, Heather and her family have become closer and stronger, more aware, and better communicators. Find out what resources are available for parents who are raising an LGBTQIA teen/young adult and powerful positive lessons to draw upon in the midst of change.