Queer Parents, Preteens & Puberty with José Rolón

The babies aren't babies anymore.

In this candid conversation, Jaimie sits down with returning guest and friend José Rolón (NYC Gay Dad) to talk about parenting preteens and teenagers as LGBTQ+ parents. From puberty and emotional regulation to first crushes, social media, and navigating the outside world's assumptions about queer families, this episode explores what changes—and what stays the same—as our kids get older.

Jaimie and José share honest stories about raising confident kids, keeping communication open during the middle school years, helping children navigate questions about their families, and finding humor in the chaos of parenting adolescents. They also discuss what it's like when your family exists in the public eye and how to empower kids to feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

Because it turns out building the family was only the beginning.

🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

• Why puberty can feel like a return to your child's toddler years.
• How queer parents can keep communication open as kids become more independent.
• Helping children navigate questions and assumptions about LGBTQ+ families.
• What happens when your family's story exists publicly online.
• Why humor can be one of the most powerful parenting tools.
• Raising confident kids who are proud of their families.
• The challenge of balancing protection and independence during the tween and teen years.
• José's surprisingly satisfying take on raising a straight son as a gay dad.
• Why connection often happens during activities—not formal sit-down conversations.

🏳️‍🌈 About the guest(s)

José Rolón is the creator of NYC Gay Dad, an author, advocate, and one of the most recognizable voices in LGBTQ+ parenting. As a father of three teenagers, José has spent years sharing the realities of queer family life, fatherhood, and raising confident, compassionate children. He is also Jaimie's co-host on Love, Take Two, the podcast celebrating life's second acts and proving that sometimes the sequel really is better than the original.

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsors

California Cryobank Use code QUEERFAM26 for a free level 3 subscription to their donor catalogue!

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned

• Love, Take Two

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