Parenting of Trans Children

It is important to understand trans adults’ experiences and what allows them to thrive in a transphobic society. However, it is just as important to examine the experiences of trans children—and those of their parents, who often play critical roles in their development. This entry summarizes the existing literature on parenting qualities and processes that facilitate positive development for trans youth, the challenges that affirming parents of trans children face, and the resources and strengths that they access and possess across various domains.

Most of what is known about caregivers’ experiences of parenting trans children comes from research with parents who are generally affirming of their children’s gender identities and expressions—at least from the parents’ own perspective. Research with trans individuals, however, indicates that many parents ...