All children explore different ways of expressing their gender. Most of these children are comfortable with the sex they were assigned at birth, although some are not. Occasionally children persistently assert themselves as a gender different from the sex assigned at birth. These transgender children are usually insistent, consistent and persistent in their gender identity and may exhibit distress or discomfort with their physical body.
Some children are aware of their gender identity from a very early age, while others may take some time to figure it out. Children can be very aware of the disapproval of those around them and may try and hide their feelings about their gender.
For gender-expansive children, including those who may identify as transgender, no medical intervention is needed pre-puberty. However you may want to talk to a paediatrician, mental health professional or parent support group to work out how to best support your child or family member.
This is particularly important if there is associated distress related to gender identity. For young people where these feelings continue into puberty or emerge during puberty, particularly if associated with distress, it is important to see a health professional.
Puberty blockers are a medication that can be used to halt the physical changes of an unwanted puberty. Blockers are a safe and fully reversible medicine that may be used from early puberty through to later adolescence to help ease distress and allow time to fully explore gender health options. Skip to main content. Transgender New Zealanders: Children and young people. Supporting your child Here are some simple tips to help you support your child as they consider their gender identity.
