The number under-18s on the waiting list for their first appointment for gender care in England and Wales has risen to more than 5,700. A freedom of information request by the PA news agency found that the average waiting time for a first appointment was 100 weeks, as of May 31. So what can parents and carers do during the anxious wait to support their child? Listen to your child “Listen to your child and take it slow,” recommends Cleo Madeleine, communications coordinator and spokesperson for trans-led organisation Gendered Intelligence .
“Most young people will be quite confused and will just want a safe environment to talk about things like gender and sexuality. “If parents can support their young people by providing a space to have those conversations it starts really healthy open communication.” Madeleine advises any parents who are unsure about how to have these conversations to seek information and support from organisations such as Gendered Intelligence and Mermaids.
Avoid conflict and judgement Confrontation can close doors to future productive conversations, so remain calm and supportive. “Remember that it doesn’t have to be a fight,” says Madeleine. “Reactions that are angry, dismissive or confrontational can actually send a message to your child that they were wrong to open up and that it is not safe to have that conversation.
“Try not to bring judgement forwards and try, at least at first, to hold off on telling your child what you think and g.