help

[shontai]

my 7 year old son told me that he wants to be a girl but doesnt know why. we have seen him play with girls and pretend to be one but i thought it was normal. how do i help him figure it out and get him to open up more?

[babblingfool]

Very true!! I haven't thought of it in that context.  Society does tend to be more accepting of tomboys.  This may be just a phase that will pass.  Still, if it were my child and I were being told this directly, I would look into it.  Even at 7 other boys would treat him different if they knew his wishes.

[SL345]

At what age did this behavior start? Does he have any interest in boys and in male oriented activities? What does he think is so special about being a girl? Does he dress up as a girl? Does he want to play with dolls? Pretend to be the mommy? Does he sit on the toilet rather than stand in front of it to urinate? Is there something about being a boy that he dislikes? These issues can range anywhere from a phase that he will grow out of to ongoing and deep-seated problems with gender identity. Please fill us in a little more.

[gilly464]

when i was younger about six or seven i can remember askin my dad why i didnt have a tail like my younger brother, i was a proper tom boy, would chase after my older brother wantin his clothes, by the age of ten, eleven i found make up and saw boys different, i never developed any strange tendencies, is there not a male version of being a tom boy,

[babblingfool]

It is very normal for children to pretend to be of the opposite sex.  It could be something as simple as a show he has seen on tv, or he may really be confused.  Either way he is reaching out to you even at a tender age of 7.  Speak with his pediatrician and be referred to a psychologist to speak to him and help him to explore his feelings in a nonjudgemental environment.  He needs unbiased love and support.  Good luck!!