As a transgender child “comes in” to their new identity, parents often find themselves sorting through complex emotions. They may not know what to expect or how to deal with their feelings. Or, after they have adjusted, they may find their balance is upset again and again.

These are common experiences and knowing what to expect and how to keep helping your child can be a relief. That’s what we address in this section.

In this topic, we will cover:

  • Parent Actions that Help highlights the #1 thing parents must do, as well as how to show support, open communication, build your connection, and demonstrate you are working to understand and help them.
  • Parent Actions that Hurt gives important actions to avoid and things we might say or do that can wound the child — sometimes even when we mean to help.
  • Tips for Supporting Your Child lists actions that can build trust and confidence with your child.
  • Coming Out as the Parent of a Transgender Child offers ways for you to keep pace and help your child as they become more open. Transgender children lose their privacy as they become more public and your actions are critical to their safety and health.

Few organizations focus on the struggle parents face in navigating these changes in the family, but ours does. We hope you’ll visit www.strongfamilyalliance.org often.