Struggling with gender identity expressed as masculinity by the daughter
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Mel McElhatton, a social worker with a degree from the University of Malta, is known for her work as the producer of the radio show Niddiskutu s-Sess and as a life coach and facilitator with the IRL - In Real Life team. In her latest article, she offers guidance for parents on how to support their children as they explore and express their gender identity.
According to McElhatton, nurturing both oneself and one's child strengthens resilience, deepens connection, and fosters mutual growth. She emphasizes the importance of providing unwavering love and acceptance, creating a safe and supportive family environment, and allowing the child freedom to explore their gender without pressure or dismissal.
Research backs up McElhatton's advice. A study by Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2016) titled "Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities" published in Pediatrics, found that supportive family environments significantly improve mental health and well-being outcomes for children exploring their gender identity. Another study by Mallon, G. P., & DeCrescenzo, T. (2006) titled "Transgender children and youth: a child welfare practice perspective" published in Child welfare, reinforced the importance of family acceptance and support.
Effective ways for parents to support their child's journey include expressing love and acceptance verbally and consistently, educating themselves about gender identity, expression, and relevant medical and social processes, allowing their child to make decisions about their gender expression, creating a family culture of affirmation, supporting social transitions at the child's pace, and connecting with resources and support networks for parents and families of transgender or gender-questioning children.
Patience allows acceptance to grow naturally, making the process healthier for everyone involved. Children value parents' willingness to listen, learn, and provide unconditional love consistently. Supporting oneself empowers one to better understand and guide a child's journey.
McElhatton can be contacted via email at mel@our website or by phone at 79291817 for further guidance and support. Seeking support networks provides strength, clarity, and reassurance throughout difficult moments.
In summary, the most effective parental support focuses on acceptance, education, open communication, respect for autonomy, and protecting the child from negative or invalidating reactions as they navigate their gender journey. By following these key strategies, parents can help their children feel valued, loved, and supported as they explore and express their gender identity.
[1] Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2016). Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities. Pediatrics, 137(6), e20154073.
[2] Mallon, G. P., & DeCrescenzo, T. (2006). Transgender children and youth: a child welfare practice perspective. Child welfare, 85(4), 477-494.
[3] McElhatton, M. (n.d.). Supporting transgender children: a guide for parents. Retrieved from our website
[5] Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2016). Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities. Pediatrics, 137(6), e20154073.
- By providing unwavering love and acceptance, creating a safe and supportive family environment, and educating themselves about gender identity, parents can significantly improve their child's mental health and well-being, as supported by research in health-and-wellness publications such as Pediatrics.
- In her guide for parents, Mel McElhatton, a life coach and facilitator known for her work on Niddiskutu s-Sess, emphasizes the importance of family support in fostering mental health, family-health, and mutual growth, especially for children exploring their gender identity.
- Effective parental support for children exploring their gender identity involves more than just acceptance; it also includes understanding the science behind gender identity, respecting the child's autonomy, and seeking resources and support networks for both themselves and their families, as highlighted in resources like McElhatton's guide.
