As a parent, it’s your job to protect your child. When facing a situation that seems out of the ordinary, it can be challenging to know what to do. The good news is that there are ways to handle gender dysphoria in children: you won’t have to guess or take drastic measures without guidance from medical professionals.
Symptoms of Gender Dysphoria in Children
Gender dysphoria is the distress a person experiences when their gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex. Symptoms of gender dysphoria include:
• Feeling like you are in the wrong body or that your body parts do not reflect your gender identity
• Worrying about using public restrooms and locker rooms because they do not feel safe there
How to Handle Gender Dysphoria in Children
The most important thing you can do to help your child is to support them by letting them be who they are and not trying to push them into being someone else. If your child is transgender or gender nonconforming, you must use the correct pronouns and names. Using the wrong pronoun is disrespectful and can significantly impact your child’s mental health and self-esteem. When talking about their identity with others, try not to make a big deal; instead, focus on how much fun they had playing with friends or whatever else happened during the day. Try not to draw attention away from their achievements or hobbies by focusing too much on their gender identity.
When to Talk to a Doctor about Gender Dysphoria in Children
If you have noticed any signs of gender dysphoria, you should talk to your child about their feelings and see if they are experiencing distress. If your child doesn’t want to discuss how they feel with you or refuses to talk about the issue, don’t force them into it. Instead, try asking their school counselor or therapist for advice on how best to proceed.
If you think your child needs gender dysphoria treatment, get in touch with an expert specializing in mental illness and gender identity issues before seeking treatment to ensure you find an appropriate therapist with experience dealing with children who identify as transgender or experience gender dysphoria.
If you’ve noticed gender dysphoria in children, visit The International Center for Transgender Care to speak with a professional.
