But see, I feel like you're painting it too black and white. 4 year olds are rarely capable of telling you exactly what they know about themselves. How are you sure a 4 year old has "done his/hear homework" onto thinking about their gender, what their feeling, and the implications of changing genders?
I feel the reason the decision should be scrutinized is precisely because of the implications for the child. By deviating from the default, you are often ostracized and bullied as a kid. It's sad, but often a reality. If you are in a gray area and uncertain your kid is transgender, then why force that situation upon them when they may not have thought it through.
Consider this scenario: What if your 4 year old tells you that they are certain they want to be home schooled? How do you know they have actually thought through all the implications of being home schooled versus they just heard you get to hang out at home all day and that sounds kinda cool. I'm sure most parents would not make this decision based solely on the child's recommendation because they don't see their kid as being fully rational and aware yet. Of course, any good parent would investigate why their kid is asking to be home schooled, just as I suspect any parent would investigate why their child has told them they think they may be the opposite gender. I guess the question is at what age or through what actions taken by the child should you, as the parent, make the decision to recognize the child as transgender in how you raise them and in how the school treats them as well?
I feel the reason the decision should be scrutinized is precisely because of the implications for the child. By deviating from the default, you are often ostracized and bullied as a kid. It's sad, but often a reality. If you are in a gray area and uncertain your kid is transgender, then why force that situation upon them when they may not have thought it through.
Consider this scenario: What if your 4 year old tells you that they are certain they want to be home schooled? How do you know they have actually thought through all the implications of being home schooled versus they just heard you get to hang out at home all day and that sounds kinda cool. I'm sure most parents would not make this decision based solely on the child's recommendation because they don't see their kid as being fully rational and aware yet. Of course, any good parent would investigate why their kid is asking to be home schooled, just as I suspect any parent would investigate why their child has told them they think they may be the opposite gender. I guess the question is at what age or through what actions taken by the child should you, as the parent, make the decision to recognize the child as transgender in how you raise them and in how the school treats them as well?


