Understanding Children’s Gender
Gender is more complex than most of us have been taught. Gender is made up of three parts: (1) gender biology (our bodies or biological sex – our sex assigned at birth based on appearance of genitals), (2) gender expression (how we dress and act), and (3) Gender identity (how we feel inside). For most kids, these three facets of gender line up and the kids are typically gendered boys or girls (cisgender). For other kids, however, these three facets of gender align differently; these kids are Gender-expansive, which includes transgender kids.
Although our society teaches us that there are only two genders—male and female—there are really many genders. Not all children fit neatly into a male or female gender identity. For some children, the sense of being “both” or “neither” best describes their reality. Some of these kids speak of being more of one some days and more of the other on different days; these children might best be described as gender fluid. These are all normal variations in human gender and do not mean something is wrong with a child. A child’s gender is not what others tell them, but who they know themselves to be.
Even though we as parents have great influence over our children, parents can’t change a child’s true gender identity or expressions of their gender. However, we can help our children to have a healthy, positive sense of themselves in relation to their gender.
For more information visit this website or go to the other tabs under "Parent Information" to the left.
Although our society teaches us that there are only two genders—male and female—there are really many genders. Not all children fit neatly into a male or female gender identity. For some children, the sense of being “both” or “neither” best describes their reality. Some of these kids speak of being more of one some days and more of the other on different days; these children might best be described as gender fluid. These are all normal variations in human gender and do not mean something is wrong with a child. A child’s gender is not what others tell them, but who they know themselves to be.
Even though we as parents have great influence over our children, parents can’t change a child’s true gender identity or expressions of their gender. However, we can help our children to have a healthy, positive sense of themselves in relation to their gender.
For more information visit this website or go to the other tabs under "Parent Information" to the left.