Your GP or psychologist might not be familiar with the needs of children who want to affirm their gender identity or who have gender dysphoria. Children who want to affirm their gender identity need to have a comprehensive medical and mental health assessment before any medical treatment can be recommended. For some teenagers, medical treatment can help reduce the distress associated with physical aspects of their bodies. There are two stages of medical treatment for children who want to transition medically:.
Skip to content Skip to navigation. How children and teenagers express gender Gender expression is how your child shows their gender. Gender dysphoria Gender dysphoria is when your child feels distressed because their gender identity differs from the sex they were given at birth. What does gender-creative mean? I think my child may be transgender. What should I do next? How can I support my child? Strong parent support is key! Love your child for who they are. Talk with your child about gender identity.
Ask questions! Read books with your child that talk about many different ways to be a boy, a girl, or having another gender identity. Find opportunities to show your child that transgender and gender-diverse people exist and belong to many communities who appreciate and love them. Be aware that a child who is worrying about gender may show signs of depression, anxiety, and poor concentration. They may not want to go to school. Be aware of potentially negative issues that your child may face.
Let your child know that you want to hear about any bullying or intimidation towards them. If you are having difficulties, please seek additional help through websites, printed resources, support groups or mental health providers.
See below for additional resources. Before their third birthday: Most children can easily label themselves as either a boy or a girl.
The point is that all children tend to develop a clearer view of themselves and their gender over time. At any point, research suggests that children who assert a gender-diverse identity know their gender as clearly and consistently as their developmentally matched peers and benefit from the same level of support, love, and social acceptance. All children need the opportunity to explore different gender roles and different styles of play. Parents can make sure their young child's environment reflects diversity in gender roles and encourages opportunities for everyone.
Some ideas would be to offer:. Children's books or puzzles showing men and women in non-stereotypical and diverse gender roles stay-at-home dads, working moms, male nurses, and female police officers, for example. A wide range of toys for your child to choose from, including baby dolls, toy vehicles, action figures, blocks, etc. By age six, most children spend most of their playtime with members of their own sex and may gravitate towards sports and other activities that are associated with their gender.
It is important to allow children to make choices regarding friend groups, sports, and other activities they get involved in. It is also a good idea to check in with your child to learn about their preferences and to make sure they feel included without teasing or bullying. In addition to their choices of toys, games, and sports, children typically express their gender identity in the following ways:.
Social behavior that reflects varying degrees of aggression, dominance, dependency, and gentleness. Manner and style of behavior and physical gestures and other nonverbal actions identified as masculine or feminine. Social relationships, including the gender of friends , and the people he or she decides to imitate.
While a child's gender-specific behavior i. Our expectations of "what girls do" and "what boys do" have changed. Many female athletes excel at their sports. Girls increasingly pursue subjects traditionally thought of as "masculine. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.
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