Dr Mataroria Lyndon from Tend answers your health questions.
As a parent of a young trans person, how can I best support their health journey?
Supporting a young trans person starts with listening, affirming, and learning. Your acceptance and support are among the most powerful protective factors for their mental and physical health.
Create a safe, non-judgmental space at home and be an active advocate for your child in healthcare settings. This could mean making sure their chosen name and pronouns are respected, helping them find trans-affirming clinicians, and attending appointments with them if they’d like support. If they’re considering gender-affirming care, work with healthcare professionals to understand the options, pathways, and timelines. Ensure your child feels informed and empowered to make their own decisions.
Encourage healthy routines with balanced nutrition, sleep, exercise, and activities that support mental well-being. Let your child set the pace of their journey – some may want to socially transition now, while others may explore medical options later.
Above all, let them know you love them exactly as they are. Your tautoko (support) and aroha (love) can make a profound difference to their resilience, confidence, and long-term wellbeing. Whānau may also find it helpful to connect with support organisations such as InsideOUT, RainbowYOUTH, or Gender Minorities Aotearoa.
Download the Tend app or visit tend.nz
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