Puberty can be a real struggle for any child. Between hormones and other body changes, it can be scary and confusing. In fact, many kids find puberty to be the most difficult time in their lives. However, non-binary children going through puberty face many unique issues that parents may or may not feel prepared to handle. So, if you're a parent dealing with a child going through puberty, you'll want to explore these 10 tips

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10 Start The Conversation Early

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via Pexels/Monstera

Puberty conversations are important, and parents should be having them even before their child starts experiencing changes in their body. However, these early conversations are even more important for non-binary kids who may feel uncomfortable or even scared about how puberty will impact their bodies. If your child sees that you are comfortable addressing their concerns and talking about puberty from their position, they will feel safe and more comfortable about what's coming.

9 Educate Yourself

couple looking at computer
Via Pexels

Regardless of how long ago your child shared their gender identity with you and how educated about gender inclusivity you feel, puberty for non-binary youth can be a whole new animal. So, you'll want to make sure you take the time to educate yourself. This will help you feel equipped to help your child and advocate for them.

8 Address Concerns At School

A Woman In Bed Scrolling Through Phone
via Unsplash / Natasha Hall

For this reason, the experts at Raising Children Network, an Australian parenting organization, recommend talking to teachers and other school staff about the situation. Ask them what steps they plan to take to make any puberty lessons at school inclusive for all children, and raise concerns you have about them splitting children into groups based in the binary (male, female). Make sure the school is going to create a safe space for your child during these discussions so they don't feel excluded or dismissed.

7 Find A Gender-Affirming Therapist

A mother and her daughter doing speech therapy online
via Expressables

Therapy is an important tool for anyone dealing with stressful life events. However, for non-binary or gender-questioning youth, an affirming therapist can be an invaluable source of comfort and safety. A gender-affirming therapist can explore some rationale behind your child's feelings of anxiety, sadness, or fear. They can also provide coping skills, recommendations for discussing their gender identity with others, and more.

6 Provide Inclusive Literature

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Most parents use books and other forms of literature to help explain puberty to kids. However, most of the guides that are recommended are completely based in the binary. Luckily, there are options for inclusive literature if you're looking for it. One great option is You-ology, A Puberty Guide For Every Body, a gender-inclusive puberty guide created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5 Make Gender-Neutral Purchases

Pads And Tampons Period Products

If you check out any ads for puberty-related products, you will see highly gendered items. Unfortunately, things like tampons covered in pink packaging or manly body spray can be a major turnoff for non-binary children going through puberty. As much as you can, try to find gender-neutral items or non-gendered items. Brands like TomboyX offer many great options for clothing and undergarments, while brands like Aunt Flow are offering inclusive, neutral period products.

If you cannot find gender-neutral items (like deodorant), try buying several options for your child to try. This gives them the autonomy to make decisions about their bodies, and this can help boost their confidence while also avoiding issues related to gender dysphoria.

4 Find Other Ways For Your Child To Express Themselves

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Credit: iStock

Obviously, there's no way around needing things like deodorant and menstrual products. However, parents can counteract some of these gender-related issues by giving their kids other ways to express themselves and remain true to their identity. For example, you can let your child choose the clothes they wear or how they decorate their room. You can also respect their preferred pronouns and let them be true to who they are. All of this can go a long way towards helping how a child feels about themselves.

3 Explore Options With A Doctor Who Is Supportive

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Finding a supportive doctor can make all the difference for non-binary children going through puberty. According to the Canadian e-mental health service provider Kids Help Phone, non-binary youth have several options available to them. For example, puberty blockers can give children more time to explore their gender identity before dealing with the changes of puberty. Also, hormone treatments and surgical interventions can help provide more affirming measures for non-binary tweens or teens who experience gender dysphoria.

2 Seek Out Support For Yourself

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Via Pexels

Even the most supportive parents can experience a sense of grief or confusion when their child comes out as non-binary. These feelings may be reignited or intensified as your child goes through puberty. If you notice this is happening, then you may want to seek out support for yourself so you can work through your own emotions without it impacting the relationship you have with your child. Therapists and parent support groups can help with this.

1 Provide Unconditional Love

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All the suggestions on this list can help a non-binary child going through puberty. At the end of the day, what they really need is unconditional love and unconditional positive regard. They need to know that, no matter what happens, they will have your unwavering support and love.

Sources: Raising Children Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, Kids Help Phone