The Positive Aspects of Being the Parent of a Trans Child: Findings from Trans Pathways

Abstract

The existing literature exploring the experiences of parenting a trans child tends toward reporting the challenging aspects of the parental journey. Studies also reference positive experiences such as enhanced parent-child connectedness and affirmation of personal values. Limited dedicated research focused on the positive aspects of parenting a trans child exists. We aimed to better understand positive parental experiences accordingly. Using data from a large cross-sectional survey, we explored parental responses (N = 134) to a single open-text question asking what parents had experienced as positive about parenting their trans child. We used the general inductive approach (GIA) to analyze data and report on common themes. Almost all parents identified at least one positive aspect; most cited multiple benefits. Five major themes emerged from the data: 1) Personal growth; 2) experiencing the strengths of the child; 3) improved aspects of the parent-child relationship; 4) positive change in the child; 5) experiencing social connection and support. Findings provide a nuanced addition to the literature on parental experiences and have clinical implications for those working with parents of trans children. A better understanding of positive parental experiences can aid clinicians in increasing parental support and acceptance for young people within an affirmative framework.

Keywords:

• Parenting
• positive
• transgender
• children
• gender diverse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

H.M is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship; A.L. is supported by an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship [#1148793]; Y.P. is supported by a fellowship from the Giorgetta Charity Fund; PS is supported by a Suicide Prevention Australia Post-Doctoral Fellowship.