My first, quick answer

Here's a quick answer.... Remind me later to discuss it further. Like yours, my mother is very open-minded and supportive of me, but of course yours is a different person. I only told her when I was going to have an evaluation by a psychiatrist (not related to pedophilia) and was concerned that he would find out.

I did not say that I was a "pedophile." That may not be the best way to explain yourself to her; in my case, she used the word to describe something she trusted I was not, despite my attraction. I simply told her that I am, and have been, sexually attracted to children. Then I told her, I think after she asked, that the attraction was mostly to girls.

I was surprised at how well she took it, and in fact she had already had reason to believe it was so.

So, I recommend, if you know you want to tell her (I haven't read anyone else's responses on this) that you describe what younger people you are attracted to, what form this attraction takes, what it means in your life and whether you're also attracted to people in your age group and above. You may also want to be ready to tell her what you would like her to do to support you.

Beware, however, of any preconceived notions your "open-minded" mother may have.