QUESTION:  My son asked me what is means to be “gay”.  He’s only 6.  What do I tell him?

ANSWER:  Ask him about the context in which he heard the word used.  Chances are, the word was used in a derogatory way to put down someone (Maybe it was said about him.).  At 6, you tell him that the word has two meanings: 1-To be happy and carefree.  2-Tell him that some people use the word “gay” in a mean way to make fun of someone.  Tell him that he is not to use the word in order to hurt or make fun of someone. 

I don’t believe at 6 he has the maturity or awareness to understand the entire cultural meaning of being gay.  However, this a wake-up call to you as parents.  You must be careful about instructing your son in age-appropriate and timely ways.  As he is introduced to sexuality through heart-to-heart talks with you and/or through the materials SOTHCS sends home, there will be opportunities to talk with him in age-appropriate ways about homosexuality.  It would be ideal if parents could be proactive about handling evil, but sometimes the best we can do is react in a thoughtful, godly way when evil intrudes into the lives of our children.  Your son will take his example from you; he will listen and watch carefully as to how you think, act and explain.

Children want an honest and understandable answer.  At 6, he doesn’t yet require a complete answer.  We parents need to be relentless in prayer and godly involvement with our children.

Mar 24 2011