Changeling Aspects
For Parents of Gender-Variant Young
For Parents of Gender-Variant Young
Links from Synopsis of Transsexualism
International Links from TranssexualRoadMap
GenderBridge -NZ A Great Site with a Vast Amount of Info.. See their "Resource" section.
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counsellors
Hair Removal & Facial Rejuvenation Etc
Queensland Police Service LGBTI Liaison
Australia's Internet Safety Advisory Body
Parents’ Guide: An Educational Booklet
http://www.dcchildrens.com/dcchildrens/about/subclinical/subneuroscience/subgender/guide.aspx
A Parent guide
If You Are Concerned About Your Child's Gender Behaviours.
Defining Gender Variance:
By the age of 3 years, most children express an interest in, or preference toward activities and behaviours typically associated to their specific gender.
We call these behaviours
"gender-typical" because the members of one of the sexes favour them. For
example, boys enjoy rough-and-tumble play and identify with male heroes, while
girls enjoy such activities as playing with dolls and pretending to be a mommy.
By age 5-6 years, children have a strong sense of the gender-appropriate
behaviour that is typical for their social group. However, some children
develop in a different way. Some children have interests more typical of the
other sex and sometimes want to look and act like the other sex. For example, a
7-year-old boy plays with Barbie dolls and pretends to have long hair and be a
princess. A 6-year-old girl is only interested in playing outside with the boys,
refuses to wear anything except jeans and t-shirts, and talks about being a boy.
We call these, gender-variant behaviours and interests. Gender variance and
gender non-conformity refer to interests and behaviours that are outside of
typical cultural norms for each of the genders. Children with gender-variant
traits have strong and persistent behaviours that are typically associated with
the other sex. Sometimes they reject the physical appearance (clothing and
hairstyle) typical of the child’s own sex. Gender variance does not apply to
children who have a passing interest in trying out the behaviours and typical
interests of the other sex for a few days or weeks.
What Are Gender Variant Behaviors?
Patterns of gender-variant behaviour are usually first noticed between the ages of 2-4 years. Children with a gender-variant pattern display many of the following characteristics:
Boys may show an interest in women's clothes, shoes, hair and make-up. They play-act and identify with female characters such as Barbie™, The Little Mermaid™, Snow White or Cinderella. They wish to have or may pretend to have long hair, prefer girls as playmates, and avoid rough-and-tumble play and team sports. Others may describe them as gentle, sensitive, artistic, sweet, cute, and very affectionate. When young, they may express the desire to be a girl or claim that they really are girls.
Girls
may insist on wearing boys' clothing and short haircuts and refuse to wear
skirts, dresses and female bathing suits. They tend to reject play activities
that are associated with being a girl. Instead, they prefer games and toys that
are typically considered more appropriate for boys such as GI Joe™, Superman™,
and cars and trucks. These girls may identify with male characters and refuse to
assume female characters in play-acting. For example, they may want to be the
father when playing house. They prefer boys as playmates and are interested in
rough-and-tumble play and contact or team sports. These girls may also express
the desire to be a boy, announce that they really are boys, and enjoy being
mistaken for a boy. Behaviours that are observed frequently before the child
starts school may become less frequent once the child has more contact with
peers. A decrease in observed behaviours may indicate that as the child matures
and experiences peer criticism, he/she voluntarily hides or avoids some
behaviours in order to blend in.
Why Does Gender Variance Occur?
Gender variance is not
new. It has been described throughout history and in many different cultures.
Child development specialists used to believe that gender-typical and
gender-variant behaviours were the result of the ways in which children were
raised. Today however, experts believe that the presence or
absence of these behaviours is partly the result of the biological or genetic
diversity among individuals. In other words, the genetic propensity for these
behaviours is hard-wired in the brain before or soon after birth. Of course, the
specific content of male and female roles (gender expression) has to be learned
by all children, even though some children seem to be biologically predisposed
toward manifesting some of the gender role characteristics of the other sex.
Some experts used to believe that gender variance represented abnormal
development, but today many have come to believe that children with
gender-variant behaviours are normal children with unique qualities — just as
children who develop left-handedness are normal. Although science has yet to
pinpoint the causes, we know that gender-variant traits are not caused by
parenting style or by childhood events, such as divorce, sexual abuse, or other
traumatic experiences. Children do not choose to have gender- variant interests
anymore than other children choose gender-typical interests. Both types of
interests represent what comes naturally to each child. Gender variance is not
caused by an emotional disorder. However, because of societal prejudice,
children with gender-variant traits may experience ongoing rejection, criticism
and bullying causing adjustment difficulties.
What Can I Expect In The Future?
As an adolescent and adult, your child may be emotionally and physically attracted to persons of the opposite sex, the same sex or both sexes. Although these three outcomes are possible, research on boys with gender-variant histories suggests that most of them have a same-sex orientation (i.e., they are considered gay unless or until they have transitioned to their identified sex – female – and now considered heterosexual). These boys may grow up to be masculine and conventional in their appearance.
Gender-variant girls are most likely to be conventionally heterosexual or perhaps bisexual in their sexual orientation.
On rare occasions, children continue to develop a strong cross-gender identification as they enter adolescence and adulthood. These persons may be “transsexual” and experience persistent discomfort with his or her social role, expected of the physical sex of their bodies. Some may eventually seek sex-reassignment surgery (SRS), so they can more fully and effectively live as the other sex.
Some transgender persons
do not completely identify with either gender.
How Will My Child View Himself/Herself?
Good self-esteem is vital
to a child’s ability to deal with life's trials effectively. However,
generalized social stigma and the hostile behaviours that stem from it can cause
emotional distress in children with gender-variant behaviours, making their
self-esteem development more challenging than necessary. Without the support
from parents, the child may believe that this stigma is deserved. Affirming
parenting is key to protecting a child from these harmful effects. Generally
speaking, girls with interests or behaviours that traditionally are viewed as
masculine-oriented usually have a stronger self-esteem than boys who have
traditionally feminine-oriented interests or behaviours. This may be due to
greater social acceptance of girls who show masculine interests than of boys who
show feminine interests.
Can it be changed?
At the age of 5 or 6 years, children begin to be influenced by social pressure to conform and may adjust their behaviour in public to blend in. This does not necessarily mean that the child’s core traits have changed. What drives gender-typical or gender-variant traits cannot be changed through the influence of parents, teachers, coaches or therapists. Although a child may alter his or her behaviour in response to parental pressure or social pressure, such changes may be skin deep and may not reflect how the child truly feels. Furthermore, pressuring/shaming is likely to undermine the child’s self-confidence and esteem. As we explain further below, we strongly oppose parenting approaches or therapies that focus on pressuring children to change and accommodate to a stereotype of how a girl or a boy is "supposed to be."
How Can I Help My Child?
1. Love your child for who she is. Like all children, your child needs love, acceptance, understanding, and support. Children that have gender-variant traits sometimes need these in a special way. The more that society and their peers may be critical of them, the more important it is for them to have the support and acceptance of their families.
2. Question traditional assumptions. Do not automatically accept traditional assumptions about social gender roles and sexual orientation. Learn to separate society’s judgments from the love you have for your child. Do not let other people’s critical opinions of what is right and wrong come between you and your child.
3. Create a safe space for your child. Children are far more resilient and able to cope when they feel that their parent is on their side. Let your child know that you love him/her, no matter what. Let others know that you love your child unconditionally, and let your child know that you are there to support him/her. Many children with gender-variant traits experience social isolation or bullying. You and your home may be the child’s only place of safety. If this is the case, assure your child that you always will allow and encourage him/her to be “who they are” in their own home. Create an atmosphere of acceptance, providing a safe place for your child to express his or her interests.
4. Seek out socially acceptable activities. Encourage your child to find activities that respect his or her interests, yet help them to fit-in socially. These might include gymnastics, swimming, computers or theatre for boys and athletic teams, leadership programs or outdoor adventures for girls. Remember to encourage activities that appeal to the child.
5. Validate your child. Talk with your child about the fact that there is more than one way of being a girl or boy. Encourage individuality, and avoid using statements such as, “only girls play with dolls,” and “boys love ball play but girls do not.” Instead, explain that although a majority of boys are not interested in dolls, there are some boys that love them and that’s OK too! The same goes for girls: not all girls like to play mommy, some girls like to pretend to be daddy or pretend to be soldiers. Speak openly and calmly about gender variance. Acknowledge to your child that he/she is different in positive terms. Talk with your child about what it feels like to be different. Adults who look back on their own childhood of gender non-conformity often recall feeling different, which made them feel ashamed. Help your child realize that although not everyone understands or affirms them, liking different things is nothing to be ashamed of and can lead to special talents and success in adulthood. Most importantly, listen to your child without criticizing. Your child needs to feel that he/she is understood by you in order to be open with you.
6.
Seek out
supportive resources. Share books
and videos with your child that present the full range of human variation in
gender roles and sexual orientation. Have these at your home, and ask that they
be made available in the school library.
If your child is isolated from peers, acknowledge that this is hurtful but not
his or her fault. Assure your child that he/she will make friends with others
who have similar interests in the future. Seek connections with families who
accept and celebrate differences among individuals.
7. Talk to other significant people. Include siblings in as many discussions about gender variance as possible. They may find it difficult to accept a brother or sister with gender-variant behaviours or interests; they may feel embarrassed or become abusive. This is a challenge for them as well, so they may need your help in understanding their feelings. This can also be a challenge for other family members. Talk to members of your extended family, babysitters and family friends. Let them know about your child’s needs and what you expect. You may want to have other significant adults read this booklet.
8. Prepare your child to deal with bullying. Explain to your child that he/she will probably encounter criticism and even bullying, and ask him or her how this feels. Ask what will make him or her feel safe, and tell your child to come to you or other adults in authority for help. Let your child know that he/she does not deserve to be hurt. From time to time, encourage your child to tell you if he/she is criticized or bullied. Children who are verbally or physically abused by peers are often afraid or embarrassed to talk about it. It is better if your child talks to you about being bullied; however, do not expect your child to always tell you. Be alert to possible warning signs that indicate your child may be in trouble. These signs can include refusing to go to school or outside, complaining of pains and aches, or crying excessively.
9. Be your child’s advocate. You may want to anticipate problems and talk to the school, before you hear about them. Talk to your child’s teacher or the school administration or guidance counsellor, and solicit their help in creating an atmosphere where your child will be safe from negative judgments. Insist on a zero-tolerance policy at school with regard to teasing and criticism. Do not assume that the school has an understanding of this issue; you may need to educate school staff. Sometimes the school environment may be such that an alternative school may need to be considered.
What Pitfalls Should I Avoid?
1. Avoid finding fault. Do not blame your child, yourself or your spouse. Your child’s gender variance came from within and cannot be turned off at will. It was not caused by anyone else and cannot be changed by anyone else. In fact, if you focus on blame or change, you may miss wonderful things about your child and spoil the rewards of being a parent. Your child needs to express himself/herself as much as other children. If your child is interested in an activity more typical of the opposite sex, it is not an act of defiance. She/he is simply following his/her own instincts.
2. Do not pressure your child to change. Avoid all actions designed to pressure your child to change. Some children may hide their interests and feelings from disapproving parents because they want to be loved and accepted by them, but this does not mean that the child’s deep-seated interests have changed. In fact, it teaches the child that he/she has to live a lie in order to be accepted. Do not negatively compare your child to a sibling or another child; this will only hurt both children.
3. Do not blame the victim. Do not try to sweep being bullied under the rug or tell your child it is something he/she must learn to accept because they are different. Do not make your child responsible for other people’s intolerance. Being outside the norm does not give someone else the right to criticize or torment. Bullying is an unacceptable and cowardly act for which only the bully is responsible. Talk about what happened, and help the child understand why it is wrong.
As a Parent, How Do I Deal With My Own Feelings?
1.
Examine your
feelings and learn to accept your child.
You and other family members may feel uncomfortable and ashamed of your child’s
interests and behaviours. This is common early on. Take time to figure out where
your feelings are coming from.
You may have to adjust your dreams of how you expected parenting and your family
to be. If these changes must occur, you may experience some of the emotions
associated with loss, such as shock, denial, anger, and despair. These feelings
are all part of the process towards acceptance. You must reach acceptance in
order to affirm your child’s uniqueness.
2.
Look for
support. Learning how to parent
in a new way can be challenging. Asking for support is a wise decision for you,
your child, and the rest of your family. If you are experiencing too much stress
from signs of excessive worrying, loss of sleep, anxiety or irritability, do not
hesitate to seek professional support. Sometimes, two parents may disagree on
how to raise a child, especially a child with gender-variant traits. If you and
the other parent have extremely different views, seek counselling to help
mediate your discussions. Counselling will make your communication more
productive by providing a safe and neutral space in which to share your feelings
and differences.
Unfortunately, many times it is not easy to find support. Keep in mind that you
are not alone and neither is your child. However, do not feel discouraged if it
is difficult to find other families in similar circumstances in your community.
You may consider joining or forming a parent support group in your community or
joining the electronic discussion group described below as "Useful Resources:
Parent List Serve." In spite of initial apprehension, many parents like you have
found support groups to be very helpful.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Professional Help?
1. Seek professional help if: your child becomes anxious, depressed, angry or hyperactive in spite of your efforts to be supportive. If your child shows signs of self-destructive or suicidal behaviour, seek professional help immediately. It may be useful to seek out structured approaches that teach children strategies to reduce the impact of bullying and skills to respond more effectively to bullying. Children who are very shy or have difficulty making friends may benefit from training to improve social skills.
2. How do you identify the right professional help? Therapists who are competent with other childhood issues do not necessarily have the competence to deal with gender variance, so become an informed consumer and select a professional wisely. A red flag should be raised when the therapist seems to focus on the child’s behaviours as the problem rather than on helping the child cope with intolerance and social prejudice. In the past, professionals assigned the diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder (G.I.D.) to children. This approach is flawed because it implies that these children suffer from a mental disorder. Along the same lines, therapists used to recommend techniques to change gender-variant behaviours. Professionals that still make these types of recommendations should be avoided.
3. Ask prospective therapists how they approach gender variance. Ask about their previous experience treating children with these issues. Discuss with prospective therapists what you have learned from this booklet. If you seek therapy for your child, make sure that guidance and support for the parents is a major component of the sessions. Be concerned if: the sessions only involve the child, and do not address your parenting questions, or do not provide you with ideas to help your child and your family.
Useful Resources
Parent List-Serve
The Outreach Program for Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors and Their Families moderates an electronic list-serve for parents. As list-serve members, parents can post and read messages from other parents and moderators.
To join, contact the program coordinator, 00111(202) 884-2504 or e-mail pgroup@cnmc.org.
Web Sites
Children’s National Medical Center web-site:
www.dcchildrens.com/gendervariance
PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians,Gays of Metropolitan Washington Local Chapter website: http://www.pflagdc.org. National: http://www.pflag.org. GLSEN website: http://www.glsen.org.
Books for Children
Oliver Button is a Sissy • 1979 Tomie de Paola. Voyager Books, Harcourt Brace and Company. Reading levels 4-8.
The Sissy Duckling. Fierstein, Harvey and Henry Cole (Illustrator)
Simon & Schuster, 2002 • Reading levels 4-8. It’s Perfectly Normal • Harris, Robie Candlewick Press, 1994 • Ages 10 & up.
Changing Bodies, Changing Lives: A Book for Teens on Sex and Relationships Ruth Bell et al. Random House: New York, 1998.
Books for parents
Not Like Other Boys • Fanta-Shyer M. and Shyer C. Houghton Mifflin Co: Boston, 1996.
Homosexuality: The Secret a Child Dare Not Tell Cantwell M. A. • Rafael Press: Chicago, 1998.
Sissies & Tomboys: Gender Non-conformity & Homosexual Childhood Rottnek,Matthew, ed. New York University Press: New York 1999.
Films and Videos
Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink) (Video/DVD) • A film by Alain Berliner. • Sony Picture Classics • (R)
Oliver Button Is a Star (Video) • Directed by John Scagliotti and Dan Hunt, with Tomie de Paola and others. • http://www.oliverbuttonisastar.com • (No audience rating)
The Dress Code (Video/DVD) • a film by Shirley MacLaine • MGM/UA Studios • (PG13)
Outreach Program for Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors and Their Families
Catherine Tuerk, M.A., R.N., C.S., Edgardo Menvielle, M.D. and James de Jesus Children’s National Medical Center 111 Michigan Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20010 (202) 884-2504 pgroup@cnmc.org
This booklet can be downloaded or copied, but may be reproduced ONLY in its entirety. Please see website at www.dcchildrens.com/gendervariance. Available also in Spanish.
Production of this booklet is supported by a grant from the Child Health Center Board, Children’s National Medical Center. We thank Dr. Gregory Lehne and the numerous professionals, parents and volunteers who have generously contributed their assistance. Illustrations by Rebecca Apple. Copyright © 2003 Children's National Medical Center, all rights reserved.
Other Resources
Parent Electronic List-Serve
The Outreach Program for Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors and Their Families moderates an Electronic List-serv for parents. www.topica.com List-serve members, parents can post and read messages from other parents and moderators. To join, contact the program coordinator. For confidential inquiries please contact the program coordinator James de Jesus at 00111 (202) 884-2504 pgroup@cnmc.org http://www.transfamily.org/
Web-sites
|
·
PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays of Metropolitan
Washington Local Chapter website:
www.pflagdc.org, |
Books for children
|
· Oliver Button is a Sissy: 1979 Tomie de Paola., Voyager Books, Harcourt Brace and Company. Reading levels 4-8. · The Sissy Duckling: Fierstein, Harvey and Henry Cole (Illustrator), Simon & Schuster, 2002, Reading levels 4-8. · It’s Perfectly Normal: Harris, Robie, Candlewick Press, 1994, Ages 10 & up. |
Books for parents
|
· Not Like Other Boys: Fanta-Shyer M. and Shyer C., Houghton Mifflin Co: Boston, 1996. · Homosexuality—The Secret a Child Dare Not Tell: Cantwell M. A., Rafael Press: Chicago, 1998. · Sissies & Tomboy—Gender Non-conformity & Homosexual Childhood: Rottnek, Matthew, ed., New York University Press: New York 1999. |
Books for parents of teenagers
|
· Changing Bodies, Changing Lives—A Book for Teens on Sex and Relationships: Ruth Bell et al., Random House: New York, 1998. |
Films and Videos
|
· Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink) (Video/DVD): A film by Alain Berliner. Sony Picture Classics (R). · Oliver Button Is a Star (Video): Directed by John Scagliotti and Dan Hunt, with Tomie de Paola and others. (No audience rating). · The Dress Code (Video/DVD): A film by Shirley MacLaine, MGM/UA Studios (PG13) |
