What should parents do when their child turns out to be transgender?



Young-aged

transgenders are also at risk of committing suicide by causing anxiety and depression due to external factors such as bullying and discrimination, especially rejection from family members. M Matsuno, a psychology student at Palo Alto University who supports young people and their parents, finds out how parents can become better defenders when they learn that their children are transgender, and possible failures. Talks about how to avoid.

How parents can support a child who comes out as trans – by conquering their own fears, following their child's lead and tolerating ambiguity
https://theconversation.com/how-parents-can-support-a-child-who-comes-out-as-trans-by-conquering-their-own-fears-following-their-childs-lead-and- tolerating-ambiguity-158275

Matsuno points out that a common challenge faced by parents with transgender children is 'fear.' For example, parents may be afraid that their child may be bullied and tell their child, 'Don't wear such clothes at school.' Or if parents lack knowledge about transgender, they may become anxious about what to do with their transgender children and do the wrong thing to relieve their anxiety. There is also.

Also, if a close relative or his community has the wrong knowledge of transgender, the parent as well as the child may be rejected by the close relative. Sometimes parents risk being rejected by their loved ones, which can put them in a difficult position.

In a 2016 study , parent-supported transgender youths were paired with transgender to have the same mental health as 'non-transgender, gender-identified' cisgender. ' It has become clear that it will be. 'There are certainly studies showing that transgender youth are at increased risk of depression and suicide, but we are looking at'whether transgender youth are supported,'' Matsuno said. Says.

Matsuno surveyed 695 transgender adolescents and found that more than half of the subjects had moderate to severe anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, when young people investigated the correlation between the support received from 'friends,' 'family,' and 'transgender community' and mental health, it was found that family support had the greatest effect on the recovery of anxiety symptoms. is. 'It's a shame that many transgenders don't get the support of their families and have to rely on others, but families definitely have a big impact,' says Matsuno.



Matsuno says it's important for parents to say 'thank you for telling me' if they say their child is transgender. By expressing gratitude, you can recognize your child's courage and convey that you love your child. Responding to 'serious?' Or 'just confused' or asking many questions at once, such as 'when did you know?', Is not recommended as it makes the child feel confused. .. A better way is to ask, 'Is it okay to ask a few questions, or do I still need time?' And 'How can I help?' Clear support is important, says Matsuno, as transgender children are afraid of refusal to reveal that they are transgender.



In addition, Mr. Matsuno replies, 'Please get support from your parents.' Parents often say that they are '100% supportive of their children and accept everything', but it is also true that they have some feelings of sadness and anxiety. Matsuno said, 'It's not a bad thing to have such feelings, and it doesn't mean that you're uncooperative with your child. But if you share all the feelings your parents have with your child, your child will share it. It can be a burden. Get the support of your local community, online groups, and, if possible, experts. '

Mr. Matsuno cites 'gender identity disorder develops rapidly' as false information that is prevalent in the world. 'This is based on false research. Children often feel uncomfortable during adolescence. If they don't share this sensation with their parents, it's something they've always felt. However, parents may feel that it is 'sudden'. '

Matsuno also points out that parents are afraid of 'what to do if their child changes their minds' regarding medical practices, including

sex reassignment surgery. 'It's very rare to regret after transsexuals, and secondary growth inhibitors are also reversible and low-risk. In many cases, transgender people don't know what's right and do different things. There is a risk of trying and resulting in the need for medical intervention, but there is also a great risk of remaining gender dysphoric. '

Regarding the perception that many children are transgender today, Matsuno said, 'More information is available and young people are learning about gender identity early on. That's why, and sometimes it's been around for a long time, but it's been erased from history. '

Finally, Matsuno said, 'Parents often want to know exactly what happens to their children, but things aren't always clear and can change. Children have a lot of adventures await. So please allow the children to find the answer for themselves. '



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