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or perhaps difficult trials they have been through. With the help of my teenagers we passed this challenge on to some friends. The cards were completed anonymously and given back to me. The responses may surprise you. "I am angry that you and dad split up. You broke up our family." "Dad never spends time with me. He doesn't like me and pretends like I don't exist."
"The boys at school are always calling me a slut. I have no idea why and I hate it." "I don't like when dad tries to play with me. He gets too rough and it hurts. I wish he'd stop treating me like I am one of the guys." "I am so tired of boys treating me bad because I'm gay. I get picked on all the time and I can't tell anyone because then my parents will know."
You as a loved one must remember, you cannot retaliate or judge anything that you read. The number one mistake is to isolate your child or teen. Instead, no matter what you read, reassure them that you are there for them and ready to help. Here is a list of resources that might be useful for you and your family.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - Houston
713-467-3524 www.pflaghouston.org Support to keep families in loving relationships by helping them understand and affirm their bisexual or transgendered family members.
The Trevor Project
I'm Bully Free
P.O. Box 69232 West Hollywood, CA 90069 l--866-488-7386 www.thetrevorproject.org
P.O. Box 1596 Friendswood, TX 77549 713-478-3049 www.imbullyfree.org
The Trevor Project helps teens and young people nationwide deal with complex emotions in order to prevent suicide.
I'm Bully Free's mission is to promote awareness and support of bully-free environments. Is your child being bullied by another student or staff member? We can help!
DAYA, Inc
Teen Health Clinic
7447 Harwin Drive. Suite # 125 Houston, TX 77036 713-783-5437 www.specialkidsinc.org
P.O. Box 770773 Houston, Texas 77215 713-981-7645 www.dayahouston.org
3601 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77004 713-535-2406
Supports Houston-area parents and caregivers of children with all disabilities. Promotes long-term success of families.
Daya empowers south Asian women, their children and families who are trying to break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence.
Special Kids Inc. Grassroots Consortium
Baylor College of Medicine Clinic focused on teen health concerns. Call to make an appointment.