On Dec. 28, 2014,17-year-old transgender Leelah Alcorn committed suicide after her parent’s rejected her decision to undergo transition treatment, according to her suicide note posted online. This incident sparked a controversy about how teens who identify as transgendered, gay, lesbian, bi or other are viewed by society and their loved ones.

As society is becoming more liberal on issues never confronted or immediately dismissed, parents, like Alcorn’s, are having to deal with their children’s choices that were never socially acceptable or scientifically possible. These decisions are creating a divide among traditional parents and their contemporary children.

It’s important for parents support and guide their children through life, not to mold them into something they’re not. A parent doing what they think is best while completely disregarding the feelings of their child is among the worst decisions they could make. Accepting their child’s decision on things like gender preference, religious affiliation or sexual orientation is essential for a healthy developed mental state.

According to research on Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory by the University of Connecticut, children who feel rejected are more likely to become violent or have problems forming trusting relationships in the future.

While parents play an important part in their child’s development, it’s the people with whom they grow up, their peers, who influence them the most. During the time spent in school, friends and classmates unintentionally influence how those around them perceive social relationships. Knowing someone genuinely accept your choices can completely boost confidence and provide a trustworthy friend.

The social aspect of acceptance goes both ways, so to be accepted by others, it is vital that you are willing to reciprocate. Once the cycle of acceptance has started, it will be nearly impossible to stop.