There is no simple test to tell if a child is transgender. Experts often refer to the idea of insistence, consistency, and persistence in terms of gauging whether a child is just going through a phase or not. This means the more insistent a child is, and the longer that insistence lasts, the less likely they are to change their mind about being a different gender.
While the following are possible signs of a child being transgender, there are no certainties.
Transgender – a person who experiences a gender identity or gender expression that is different from their assigned sex (at birth). Transgender teens tend to be an umbrella term, meaning in addition to individuals whose gender identity is opposite of their assigned sex, it includes individuals who do not consider themselves exclusively masculine or exclusively feminine (sometimes referred to as genderqueer, non-binary, bigender, pangender, or gender fluid. Some medical professionals categorize transgender as a third gender. Important to note is that transgender identification is independent of sexual orientation, and those who are transgender may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, etc.
Gender dysphoria – the distress or struggle a person endures due to the incongruence of the sex and gender they feel they are in comparison to the sex and gender they were assigned at birth. This means the assigned sex and gender do not match the person’s gender identity.
Many children engage in behavior that challenges the typical gender norms and stereotypes and do not identify as transgender at all. Nonetheless, there are some possible signs that could indicate a child is transgender or the presence of gender confusion in a child.
If you notice signs of depression in your transgender teen, or they are expressing the presence of suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek professional help.
Whether you a sure your child is transgender or uncertain as to whether they are questioning their gender, it is always helpful to seek professional support. Doctors recommend finding a therapist or counselor who specializes in gender identity issues and children. Unfortunately, many parents do not seek outside intervention for their child, due to hopes of it just being a phase. Regardless of if your child is experiencing something temporary, or truly questioning their identity, having a mental health professional can be extremely helpful.
A therapist can help your child (and the family unit as a whole) decide which changes to make, and the timeline of those changes. A therapist can also refer you to other supports and resources such as support groups, medical doctors, etc. If your child is transgender or questioning their gender identity, it is vital you (as the parent) have a place to express fears and confront personal attitudes about gender while not in the presence of your child.
Additionally, there is no shortage of information available for parents in the process of navigating this difficult terrain. It is important to educate yourself, not only for the purpose of knowing possible signs to look out for, but also to ask educated questions to your child and professionals.
This post was last modified on July 12, 2023 7:25 pm
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