This wise and reassuring book offers information and support for women forging a new path in what it means to be a family.

Raising a child is overwhelming, thrilling, exhausting, terrifying, and joyous - and all at the same time. In addition to the adjustments that any new parents must make, lesbian mothers face numerous special questions and concerns. From "coming out" to your child to coping with the pressures of trying to be a lesbian super-mum, this book offers information and support for women forging a new path in what it means to be a family. The authors are qualified for the task as developmental psychologists who are also co-parenting two young daughters. With clarity and wit, they offer helpful advice on what kids need to know, and at what age; how to help them respond to questions and teasing from peers; ways to foster sensitivity in relatives, teachers, and others; how to talk to teens about their own developing sexuality; how parenting affects couple relationships; and much more. Chapters are packed with the insights and experience of lesbians who have come to be parents in a variety of ways. Also included are listings of useful web-sites, publications, and other resources.

Part I: Introduction and Overview. Introduction: Why
Write This Book? Lesbian Mothers: Who We Are. Dos and Don'ts for Lesbian Mothers. Part II. The Lesbian Family in Interpersonal Relationships From Couple to Family. How to Help Our Children Better Understand Our Family. Dealing with Others: Family, Professionals, and People in Our Children's Lives. Helping Our Children Deal with Others. Dealing with Schools. Religion and Spirituality. Child Development and Lesbian Mothers. Gender Development, Boys will be Boys, Girls will be Girls, and Men in Our Children's Lives. Sexuality and
Our Children. Homophobia and Diversity. Special Circumstances. Divorce and Lesbian Breakup. Stepfamilies. Alternative Insemination and Adoption. Conclusion. Future Directions and Concluding Thoughts. Appendix: Parenting Books
Resources.