The Experiences of Parents Raising Transgender Children from an Early Age:

Issues in Childcare Settings, Education Settings and the Background Factors that Support Parents

Abstract

    The aim of this paper is to clarify the experiences of parents who recognize that their child is transgender (TG) from childhood (under 10 years old) as they raise their child. The results of a survey showed that the domestic issues of ‘confrontation with the child’ seen in studies of parents with children who are TG in their teens (especially in the second half) or older were not confirmed. Further, it was shown that problems mainly occurred outside the home (in this survey, with the child, parents, teachers, and the system in childcare and education settings), and that parents experienced the ‘process of becoming a problem’ in society. In addition, when people outside the family do not understand the child, three experiences (1) the child clearly expressing their wishes, (2) the presence of medical professionals, and (3) the effectiveness of self-help groups were identified as factors that support parents. From the above, it is suggested that even if you are a parent of a TG child within a system of gender dualism, the timing of your child’s gender awareness will affect the location of your experiences and issues.