Or, children who insist on using opposite gender names can be encouraged to adopt an androgynous name until they are old enough to be certain they want to change their name permanently. More fully developed gender transition plans or crossdressed presentations should be adopted only after both parent and child have consulted with a gender specialized therapist or sexologist. Communication is the final keyword for a healthy relationship between parents and children, and is a crucial component to dealing with gender identity issues. Even if parents cannot fully understand what their child is experiencing, children of all ages need their parent's love, acceptance and compassion. If you have a transgender child, remind him or her that your love is unconditional, regardless of whether you find their experiences or identity difficult to understand or accept.
Relationships are most fragile when talking stops, becomes unproductive or one-sided.
While parents may be charged with the responsibility of caring for their children, as children move through youth and into adulthood they need the opportunity to build social skills and an separate identity in order to survive independently. The price of not talking about these processes or encouraging children to become independent is very costly. Youth who are continually forced to comply with social stereotypes may develop behavioral problems or depression. Like adult transgender persons, they may also become estranged from family relationships. Youth who become disillusioned with their families may end up homeless and at risk of victimization and disease.