My Son Wants to be a Girl

[spamica]

My 3.5 year old son has been telling me that he's a girl. He doesn't want to be called Jonah anymore,  He says his name is Jennifer.  Maybe it's just a phase he's going through, maybe not.  I just dropped him off at preschool and a group of boys were standing at the gate saying "Hi Jonah!" and he said "No! No!  It's Jennifer.'  Then he walked over to a girl in his class and waved at her.  She ignored him.  It made me sad.

I love my son and I will absolutely support him 100% no matter what.  It's not me I am worried about.  It's the rejection and ridicule he will face if he  keeps this up.  Will he get made fun of?  Will he ever ben accepted by the boys or the girls?  I just don't want to see my child hurt.  I won't try to change him and I won't keep people in my life that won't accept him for who he is but he still has to live in this world and I can't protect him from everything.  I turn on the news and see kids that killed themselves because they weren't accepted by their peers and it just breaks my heart.  I want to world to see Jonah how I see him.  A smart, wonderful, caring and compassionate child regardless of his gender.

I hope this is just a phase.

[older]

Oct. 25, 2010 at 2:12 PM

Mom, this is defenitely not a phase that boys go through but he is still young, things might change, but if they don't be his suport system and he willl be fine. It is certainly unique that at his age he is certain who he is, there will be rejection, and ridicule etc, just forwarn him and tell him that those who do do not really understand him. You and your support will make all the difference in the world, hugs to you mom!

[tomatoqueen]

Oct. 26, 2010 at 6:40 AM

Good luck with this. If this continues, I would probably see a counselor who specializes in this area and see how they suggest you proceed. He is lucky to have you because you respect his choices.

[Darlinree]

Oct. 26, 2010 at 3:58 PM

My son went through a similar phase.  He wanted to grow his hair out.  He said he couldn't wait to be a mommy.  His fav. color was pink.  I showed him support and now he wants to fly airplanes and his fav color is green.  Don't worry!