Stop Apologizing for Being a Mama Bear: A Reset for Parents of LGBTQ Kids Heading Into the School Year

Stop Apologizing for Being a Mama Bear: A Reset for Parents of LGBTQ Kids Heading Into the School Year

Author: Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens August 14, 2026 Duration: 7:48

Do you think of a threshold as a potential stumbling block or the place you stand before walking into something new or unknown?

This Butterfly Effect episode builds on Tuesday's conversation about the five back-to-school thresholds parents face, with a small practice to help you name yours out loud instead of carrying it silently into September.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

  • Name your threshold to someone you trust instead of carrying it alone
  • Reach out to one teacher or administrator before a problem starts, not after
  • Say your protective instinct out loud without apologizing for it

Press play for this week's word, tiny action, and one line worth stealing.

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan.

Stay informed - visit my website

Invite me to speak at your workshop or event

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Share More Human. More Kind.

Support Buy Me A Coffee

Watch on YouTube

Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Heather Hester understands the complex mix of emotions that can arise when a child comes out. Her work, including the book *Parenting with Pride*, has been a lifeline for many, and that same grounded, compassionate guidance is the heart of More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens. This isn't about quick fixes or theoretical debates; it's a practical, twice-weekly conversation for anyone who wants to move from a place of uncertainty or worry toward genuine understanding and active support. You'll hear from Heather directly, as she shares insights and strategies drawn from both personal experience and her extensive work with families. The discussions in this podcast are designed to meet you where you are, whether you're navigating new pronouns, fostering resilience in your teen, or learning how to advocate effectively in your wider community. Episodes tackle real-world questions, from family dynamics and mental health to building inclusive spaces, always with an emphasis on connection over correction. Tuning in feels like getting thoughtful advice from a trusted friend who knows the path can be challenging but is always hopeful. The goal is to help you replace fear with clarity and confusion with confident love, ultimately strengthening your relationship with your child. If you're seeking a resource that honors your journey while providing actionable steps forward, this podcast offers a steady, kind-hearted companion for the road ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human
Podcast Episodes
Travel Prep as Love: A Friday Reset for Parents of LGBTQ Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:32
The research, the conversations, the paperwork, the permission you give your kid before you ever leave home. That is not just preparation. That is love made practical.On Tuesday we talked about what it actually takes to…
What Queer Creators Teach Your LGBTQ Teen About Authentic Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:47
Your kid has a feed full of people they've never met, and some of those people are quietly teaching them what joy looks and feels like. Do you know what they're learning?For LGBTQ teens especially, finding creators onlin…