TIPS AND TRICKS

In a new study from The Trevor Project, researchers found that eight supportive actions parents can take are linked to a lower likelihood of their cisgender gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer child attempting suicide. The three most important actions they found were:

1. Talking with the child respectfully about their LGBTQ identity
2. Respectfully discussing LGBTQ issues with their child
3. Standing up for their child when they’re mistreated due to their LGBTQ identity

For transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning kids, the three most important actions were:

1. Talking with the child respectfully about their LGBTQ identity
2. Being welcoming and kind to their child’s LGBTQ friends or partner(s)
3. Finding a faith community that affirms and respects their child’s LGBTQ identity.

To read more about the actions parents can take that make the most difference, read the full article here.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Watch Your Words

Kids begin to develop gender stereotypes — such as that boys are more rough and tumble than girls — around age 3 or 4. Without having conversations about these assumptions, children can’t unlearn them.

Research shows that learning accurate, affirming information about gender can make kids feel safer and more supported in school. You don’t have to — and shouldn’t — shy away from topics like gender pronouns, the gender binary, or what it means to be transgender. But you do need to be careful about how you discuss these topics, making sure you’re giving inclusive, age-appropriate information that doesn’t accidentally perpetuate gender stereotypes or misrepresent transgender and nonbinary kids and adults.

To prepare yourself how to answer kids’ questions about gender, read the full story here.