Heather’s Moms Got Married

Mary Cowhey

This chapter pretty much is about dealing with different types of living situations that your students may be living in. Instead of boring you with all of the stories from the chapter, I will mainly give you tips on how to deal with family diversity within your classroom.

• First of all, let’s think about what different types of family situations you MAY have in your classroom?

• Okay, now that you have had a second to think about it, let’s talk about different scenarios.

• 2 mommies• 2 daddies• Bi-racial parents• Co parenting

What is co parenting?• Co parenting describes a parenting

situation where the parents are not in a marriage, cohabitation or romantic relationship with one another.

• Now keep in mind this can also mean a child having 3 mommies or 3 daddies.

Just a little advice…..• Do not presume that students live in traditional

families with both married, heterosexual birth parents.

• Teach a lesson on teasing and name calling. Children’s literature such as The Hundred Dresses or Oliver Button is a Sissy may be used.

• Establish a baseline of classroom expectations that we are all respected members of this classroom community and that no put downs will be tolerated.

Advice Continued……• Answer students’ questions about

gay and lesbian issues in a straightforward, educational manner.

• Replace the phrase moms and dads to parents and guardians.

Just so you know….• An estimated one in 10 students may

grow up to be gay or lesbian adults.• All of our students deserve a safe

and supportive school experience.• Gays and lesbians are entitled to the

same rights as others. We are talking about equal rights, not special rights.