Parents want to make their children’s lives as simple and stress-free as possible. When they experience gender dysphoria in children, this job can be even more challenging. Parents who encounter this condition in their children need to learn as much as they can to eliminate stress and help their children deal with the emotions that come along with it. The following guide can help.
What Is Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria in children is a strong emotional response to your child’s birth-assigned gender. Some children simply don’t relate to their gender at birth and feel that they are trapped in the wrong body. Many children aren’t equipped to handle the emotional and mental toll these feelings can take. Parents need to take an accepting approach to help their children handle what they’re feeling and make sense of it.
How Do You Know?
In many cases, gender dysphoria in children appears with various symptoms, sometimes as young as the age of three. Parents may notice their child naturally gravitates to friends of the opposite gender or prefer to wear clothing, play with toys, or participate in activities typically assigned to the other gender. As your child gets older, you may notice they are ashamed or uncomfortable with characteristics associated with their birth-assigned gender.
What Can You Do?
Once you establish the presence of gender dysphoria in children, you need to take the necessary steps to help them handle the situation. Therapy can be a valuable asset that gives your child a safe space to talk about their concerns and feelings in a supportive environment. It’s also critical to support your child at home. Allow them to take the lead in what they wear or do. Some children may prefer for you to call them a different name. It’s essential to listen to your child and open the lines of communication so that they feel safe and comfortable talking to you about it.
If you need assistance dealing with gender dysphoria in children, visit The International Center for Transgender Care to learn more.
