WHEN KIDS SAY THEY'RE TRANS: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
- Jan 9, 2024
- 1 min read
WHEN CHILDREN SAY THEY ARE TRANS: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
By Lisa Marchiano, Stella O'Malley and Sasha Ayad
To be published on 17 October 2023
Being the parent of a child who has questions about his or her gender is confusing. You want to do what's best for your child, but doctors and therapists may make recommendations that go against your intuition as the parent who knows best your child's history, challenges and struggles. Should you immediately affirm a newly declared gender identity, observe and wait, or follow a different path? While many books have been written for parents who choose to facilitate their child's gender transition, there are virtually none for parents who don't believe that social or medical transition is the best option for their child. Written by Sasha Ayad, Lisa
Marchiano and Stella O'Malley - three mental health professionals with extensive experience of adolescents who identify as trans and their families - When Kids Say They're Trans is a guide designed for parents who don't believe that hasty affirmation or medicalisation is the best way to ensure their child's long-term health and well-being. It is also aimed at those who are simply unsure of the best course of action to take and who wish to inform themselves before committing themselves to a particular course of action. At a time when schools, institutions and governments are increasingly promoting ideas about gender that confuse children and even encourage them to withhold information from parents, the authors encourage parents to trust each other in order to help their children.
Supporting children as they explore their identities is so important for their well-being and confidence. Every child deserves to feel accepted and understood in their journey. Sometimes, creative activities like building with the biggest LEGO sets can offer a comforting and positive outlet, helping kids express themselves in new ways. Adding personalized touches to these sets can make the experience even more special, encouraging both imagination and self-discovery while providing a sense of accomplishme
Navigating conversations with kids about gender can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing is listening with love and keeping the door open. Every child is different, and what they need most is a safe space to express themselves. If you're also noticing signs of speech delay, I highly recommend looking into this online speech therapy option that’s made a real difference for us. Supporting kids emotionally and developmentally at the same time can really strengthen that bond of trust.