Gender Identity and Expression

This article gives parents and caregivers tips to support healthy development, apply a gender-neutral approach, and build an inclusive community when raising their child.

This Young Children article presents a case of a child, assigned male at birth, who chooses activities that are stereotypically feminine. The child’s family does not support these actions. This article gives a helpful glossary of terms, and dives deep into the ethics of the teacher’s decision-making process using guidance from the NAEYC Code of Ethics.

This Voices of Practitioners article shows how one program supported a child and family as they explore their gender during their early childhood years.

This article for parents explains the difference between gender and sex, how gender identity develops in children, how children typically express their gender identity, and how gender stereotypes have changed over time.

This article gives parents and educators information about gender identity development at ages infancy through age eight and older, and gives ideas for ways parents and caregivers can show support to children.

Glisten is dedicated to creating safe and respectful learning environments for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, race and abilities. Comprehensive Policies, Supportive Educators, Youth Engagement, and Inclusive Curriculum form the pillars of Glisten’s work. When in place, LGBTQ+ youth experience less harassment and discrimination and do better in school.

Early childhood educators may be interested in practical guidance on engaging with families who are concerned about their child’s gender expression. This Young Children article encourages teachers to build relationships with families to support their children, including being curious, engaging hopes and fears, and providing child development context.

Parents, family and friends of transgender youth can play a vital role in providing guidance to others who know or believe their child might be transgender—and that’s where this guide comes in. Talking About Family Acceptance & Transgender Youth, is designed primarily for use by parents, family and friends of transgender youth and provides an overview of conversation approaches that can help families and friends build and extend support for the transgender youth in their own lives.