LGBTQ+ Questions & Puberty - Lenara Learning

LGBTQ+ Questions & Puberty — Parent Guide

Puberty can bring up many questions for all young people, but it can feel especially confusing or difficult for those who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. Many parents feel unsure or even unprepared when their child asks questions about attraction, gender, or feelings that don’t seem to “fit” the traditional ideas of boys and girls. This printable resource, LGBTQ+ Questions & Puberty — Parent Guide, is designed to help parents approach these important conversations with calm, kindness, and confidence.

This guide covers some of the most common LGBTQ+ related questions that children may have during puberty. Many young people start to notice feelings of attraction, questions about gender, or feelings of being different during this time. This is completely normal and part of healthy development. However, these questions often come as a surprise to parents, especially if they have not thought about LGBTQ+ topics before. This sheet offers practical advice to help you respond in a way that is respectful, supportive, and helpful.

LGBTQ+ Questions & Puberty — Parent Guide
Why This Matters	Some children and teens may have questions about gender identity, sexual orientation, or feelings that don't match what they expected. Puberty can be especially confusing if your child is unsure or exploring who they are. Being supportive is vital for their confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Common LGBTQ+ Related Questions During Puberty	“What if I like boys / girls / both?” “What does it mean if I don’t feel like a boy or a girl?” “Is it normal to feel unsure?” “Will I always feel this way?” “Can puberty make me feel bad about my body?”
How to Respond	Stay calm and open — your reaction matters more than you realise Let them know it's normal to have questions, worries, or feel unsure Say clearly that you love and accept them, no matter what Use simple, supportive phrases like “You can always talk to me” or “Whatever you’re feeling is okay” If unsure about terms or information, offer to learn together
Things to Avoid	Don’t dismiss their feelings with “it’s just a phase” — even if feelings change later, their current experience is real Don’t try to guess or label them — let them choose their words Don’t pressure them to explain everything at once Never joke about or criticise LGBTQ+ topics, even lightly
Helpful Phrases	“You are loved exactly as you are” “It’s okay to feel unsure — many people do” “Your feelings are important to me” “You don’t have to figure everything out right now”
Support for Parents	Young Minds: Gender Identity Guide Mermaids UK: Supporting Gender-Diverse Young People Childline: Sexuality
Support for Young People	The Mix — Support for under 25s Childline — Free, confidential support Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Our resource helps you understand how puberty can feel different for children who are questioning who they are. It explains why questions like “What if I like girls and boys?”, “What does it mean if I don’t feel like a boy or a girl?”, or “Is it normal to feel this way?” are common, and how you can answer them without panic or judgement. You don’t need to have all the answers — the most important thing is that your child knows you love them and are willing to listen.

This guide also covers helpful phrases you can use to show your child that you are open and supportive. It suggests ways to gently encourage conversation without pressuring them to define themselves or explain everything straight away. It includes tips on what to avoid — such as dismissing feelings as “just a phase” or making jokes — which can unintentionally harm your child’s confidence or make them less likely to open up.

For parents who are home educating, this guide fits naturally into broader topics about relationships, personal development, or wellbeing. It can be used to prepare for spontaneous questions or as part of a planned activity on puberty and growing up. It is written in plain English and is suitable for all parents, regardless of prior knowledge or experience with LGBTQ+ topics.

The resource also includes links to trusted UK organisations that offer further advice and support, for both parents and young people. Whether you are raising a child who identifies as LGBTQ+, is questioning their identity, or simply wants to understand themselves and others better, this guide will help you respond with kindness, reassurance, and confidence.