Show
Learn why you should talk with your child about gender identity and expression — and how to get the conversation started. By Mayo Clinic StaffIf your child has questions about gender identity or gender expression, you probably have questions too. Find out what you can do to help and support your child. What are the basics of gender identity?Sex assigned at birth and gender identity are two separate things. Sex assigned at birth is typically made based on external genital anatomy. But gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female, or a gender along the spectrum between male and female. People communicate their gender to others through gender expression. This may be done through mannerisms, clothing and hairstyles. Gender identity develops separately from sexual orientation. People's sexual orientation is related to whom they're attracted to on a physical, emotional and romantic basis. Is my child transgender?Children who are transgender have a gender identity that doesn't match their assigned sex at birth. In many cases, children will say how they feel. They may strongly identify as boys or girls. And sometimes they identify as neither or not fully male or female (nonbinary). Most children go through periods of gender exploration through the way they dress and the toys they choose and by role-playing. Some may even insist that they are a gender that differs from that of their birth sex. However, this is likely not a phase if they continue to do so as they get older. Most children between ages 18 and 24 months can recognize and label gender groups. They may identify others as girls, women or feminine. Or they may label others as boys, men or masculine. Most also label their own gender by the time they reach age 3. However, society tends to have a narrow view of gender. As a result, some children learn to behave in ways that may not reflect their gender identity. At age 5 or 6, most children are rigid about gender and preferences. These feelings tend to become more flexible with age. It's important to remember that gender identity and gender expression are different concepts. A child's gender identity doesn't always lead to a certain gender expression. And a child's gender expression doesn't always point to the child's gender identity. Gender expressions and behaviors might include:
Don't rush to label your child. Over time your child will continue to tell you what feels right. How can I support a transgender child or a child who doesn't conform to assigned sex at birth?Listen to your child's feelings about gender identity. Talk to your child and ask questions without judgment. To support your child, you can:
Remember to speak positively about your child. Do this both to your child and to others. Show your approval for your child's gender identity and expression of it. You'll foster a positive sense of self in your child when you allow your child to express preferences. You'll also help keep lines of communication open. Also, try to let go of expectations you might have had about your child's future. Instead, focus on what brings your child joy and security. A child living with supportive parents and caregivers is likely to be a happier child. What kind of health care does my child need?Your child needs a respectful and knowledgeable health care provider. Talk to your child's provider about your child's gender identity and behaviors. Your child's provider might recommend working with a specialist. If you're having trouble finding a provider with training in gender identity, ask a support group to recommend a specialist. Talking to a therapist also is critical. Ask your child's health care provider to help you find a counselor with training in transgender needs. What is social transitioning?A social transition is a reversible step in which a child lives partially or completely in the preferred gender role. This can involve changing hairstyles, clothing, pronouns and, possibly, names. Limited research suggests that social transitioning might help ease depression or anxiety a child may have about gender identity. Talk to your child and decide details about the transition. You may consider whom to tell about it. You might also plan which bathroom or locker room your child will use. You'll also need to consider whether transitioning at school or in the community will endanger your child. Seek the advice of a social agency or an advocacy group to help you determine the safety of the transition. How can I advocate for my child?You might worry that your transgender child will be shunned and experience discrimination. You may also worry your child could be physically harmed at school or in your community. Advocating for your child may help prevent these things from happening. Take these steps:
Whatever your child's gender identity, do your homework and seek proper care. Showing love and acceptance helps children feel comfortable in their bodies and in the world. Sign-up to get Mayo Clinic’s trusted health content sent to your email. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your child’s health just for subscribing.
Email Infant's First Year (0-1) Toddler (2-4) Elementary Children (5-10) Tween & Teen (11-17) To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic
patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Oct. 01, 2022
See more In-depth See also
. How does gender identity develop during adolescence?They identified three possible contributing factors to an increase or decrease of their gender discomfort and gender identification: 1) physical puberty; 2) the changing environment and being more explicitly treated as one's natal sex (first years in high school); and 3) the discovery of sexuality.
What are the three factors that influence gender identity?It considers in turn three influential theoretical frameworks that lend themselves to empirical research. These are: 1) the role of the brain; 2) the role of socialisation; and 3) multi-dimensional gender development.
|