Manny’s anxiety comes from teasing and social exclusion when he wears the hot pink jersey. The situation is not theoretical for him; it is about fitting in and avoiding being targeted. The priority is to let him know his parents will back him and help him handle the reactions of other kids. Parents should avoid turning the choice into an abstract lesson about gender or identity. Instead, they should focus on practical support, reassurance, and safety so Manny can make the decision that helps him feel secure while still exercising choice.
"For your kid, none of this is a theoretical problem. He's stymied because his taste is at odds with what the kids around him think is acceptable (and/or they see him as an easy target). All you need to do is let him know you've got his back (an"
"On the other hand, I want him to know that he's in charge of his body and that we won't tell him what he should or shouldn't wear, and I want him to be secure in the knowledge that his parents are safe people to discuss this with."
Read at Slate Magazine
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]