#80 - For Parents and Families (II): On Foundations for Relational Healing

A Way Beyond the Rainbow

This is part II of a 4-episode series dedicated to parents and family members of individuals experiencing gender nonconformity, same-sex attractions (SSA) and/or gender dysphoria (GD).
In this episode, Aadam and I discuss the notions of gender confusion in childhood and highlight important considerations for parents dealing with young boys and girls as well as adolescents experiencing gender nonconformity, SSA and/or GD. What are signs that my child or family member is experiencing gender identity confusion? What are some possible causes for this? When should I be worried? How can I replace cross-gender toys and clothes to which my child is attached with more gender-affirming toys and clothes without hurting his/her feelings? These and other relevant questions are explored in this episode.
References used in this episode:
- Gay Children, Straight Parents: A Plan for Family Healing by Richard Cohen
- A Parent's Guide To Preventing Homosexuality by Joseph Nicolosi and Linda Ames Nicolosi

Chapter

1. #80 - For Parents and Families (II): On Foundations for Relational Healing (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:37)

3. On Gender Identity Development and Gender Confusion (00:05:05)

4. A Checklist for Parents and Family (00:10:52)

5. On Parents' Reactions to Children's Gender Confusion (00:20:28)

6. Considerations for Young Boys (00:29:05)

7. Considerations for Young Girls (00:36:03)

8. On Gender Identity Disorder (00:44:01)

9. "When should I be worried?" (00:46:39)

10. "How do we replace toys and clothes without hurting the feelings of our child?” (00:56:21)

11. Considerations for Adolescents (01:03:55)

12. On Masculinity as a Rite of Passage (01:18:33)

13. Ending Remarks (01:21:03)