Yesterday my 12 year old daughter text me while on the bus to tell me she’s pansexual. She said she’s been wanting to tell me for awhile and hopes I understand. Of course since it was via text it wasn’t the right time to talk so I told her I love her, always have, always will. After school we went about life as normal and today as well. This afternoon we were making doll clothes, a hobby of hers, and I thought it would be a good time to just ask how she was feeling but not pry too much. I asked how she learned about what pansexual meant and she got angry and shut down and said she didn’t want to talk about it. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. Thankful that she felt comfortable enough to confide in me, proud that she is so sure of who she is, shocked because it came out of the blue, confused whether she really is or doesn’t fully understand what it means. I don’t know how to handle it. Do I just say “ok” and not make a big deal about it? Do I try talking to her about it? If she is, then I want to be supportive of her. If she’s confused about what it means, then I want to educate her. I don’t want to be that parent that feels like it’s just a “phase” because of the YouTube videos she watches and the anime and the media but it’s hard for that not to cross my mind when she still seems so young in my eyes and still “acts” very young as far as the style of clothes she likes, the toys she plays with, how much she likes to snuggle and be tucked in at night, etc. I want to be there for her just not sure how she needs me other than to love and listen. ... View more