Imagine waking up one day and feeling that you were in the wrong body, although the one you are in is indeed your own. Gender dysphoric children know who they are by that simple ticking in their head and heart that tells them they are male or female when their body is showing them as the opposite. You can not picture yourself in these children's position as it is near impossible. However, there are some ways that you can help your child live a drama free successful life.
Many will ask if it is easier just to teach and inform the child how to be the specific gender. This theory is not recommended as it will further confuse the young child. Gender dysphoric child face many challenges on their own, without having their family members (parents, siblings etc) preaching to them how a "boy" should behave or how a "girl" should act. You will be teaching your child how to act the way society wishes to see them behave, not by the way the child truly feels they should. You will further insult your child by forcing them to believe to hate their body. They feel as if they are male or female mentally but their body unfortunately despises those feelings by causing them to have the opposite genitalia. We do not want our children to fight their bodies but accept them as they are. A hatred or dislike towards their own body, could in time lead to eating disorders or something more severe such as suicidal attempts.
Your extended family may be in shock, approval or denial about your child's gender roles but you need to be honest and upfront with them from the beginning. The child's family will become their greatest support group throughout their journey of life and by being upfront with extended family you are showing your child that it is ok to express your feelings with others. Keep in mind that it may take your family some time to absorb all of the new information about their niece/nephew or grandchild. Let them come to you when they are ready to face the situation instead of forcing yourself on to them. Hopefully, you come from a supportive family who will understand and be there for your child during their life.
One of the most important goals for you is to get educated! Go to your local library or your doctors office and ask for information in regards to gender dysphoria. It is not that uncommon of a disorder and you will be able to ask your doctor any questions that may arise from your readings. Keeping everyone in your close family and friend circle informed will limit the amount of teasing or harassment your child will encounter and will help build a support circle for your child. While society is becoming more acceptable of gender differences, there are simply just some mean people that will strive on teasing your child for being a boy with female traits and attitudes or vice versa.
Your child's school will need to be kept in the loop with yourself and your child's doctors. Your child's school faculty can aid in preventing or minimizing school bullying and inform you immediatly if any problems should arise. Be prepared for that introductory school meeting by being fully informed yourself and bring along some extra information pamphlets for the school to share. Make ammends with the school guidance counsellor, if your child's school has one and possibly without singling out your child, he or she could offer an information session for parents who are interested in learning more about the disorder.
Most importantly with your gender dysphoric child, you need to be willing and open to their thoughts and ideas about who they are as an individual. If they have male genitalia but wish to grow their hair long and dress as a female allow them. The only way to help them feel as comfortable as they can be is to grant their wishes. Ensure your child is equipped with the proper self-protection rules in case they are in a situation when you are not there and someone chooses to start a fight. Trans-gendered individuals (adults and children) are often the victim of hate crimes.
There is always the option of gender surgery for your child, but this is indeed a life-changing alteration. It is difficult to find a physician willing to perform this type of operation on a child younger than 18, but if possible see if your child will wait things out a bit. Hormone blockers and hormone therapy are now being used as children reach puberty to control the second sex characteristics such as the female's menstrual cycle and the male's voice changing and hair growth. Any decision made during your child's childhood will be there with them throughout adulthood so you will want to take the time to research and discuss what will work best for your family and in the long run, what is best for your child.