X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Here’s the difference between your kid's sex and gender and why it matters

3 min read
Here’s the difference between your kid's sex and gender and why it matters

So if you don't understand all this ‘political correctness’ and prefer the good old days when 'men were men,’ you're on the wrong side of history

The conversation surrounding gender and gender dynamics has never been this palpable than in perhaps the last ten years, and that’s a good thing.

As new studies shine its light in these previously enigmatic concepts, we gain a deeper understanding they function not only on the principal level, but tangentially as well.

And yet despite all these, many still balk at the idea of discussing these previously undisputed concepts: in their collective minds sex and gender is one and the same. But having a penis or a vagina does not make one either a “man” or a “woman.”

Difference between sex and gender

READ: Should Parents Ask Kids If They’re Gay?

“[Gender identity] is unique, subjective, and you can identify as both or neither,” said family therapist Jean Malpas, a member of the Ackerman Institute for the Family and director of their Gender And Family Project, in a Fatherly article.

“Some of us are cisgender, some are transgender, and there’s a difference between how we feel and the way we’re born.”

One might find these claims preposterous, or even just simply wrong, but the thing about gender is that it’s a personal thing; what your gender dictates doesn’t necessarily resonate with mine, or someone else’s.

Why should you care, you say?

READ: 12 Awesome celebrities who love and support their LGBT relatives

Well, not only does it encourage the equality and acceptance, but as parents, a deeper understanding of gender dynamics may save a life.

“Family acceptance decreases the risk of suicide 8.3 times in teens,” Jean said.

“Kids who are not accepted have a much higher risk of killing themselves. Children who are celebrated for who they are will build a strong confidence and they’ll be better equipped to handle a harsh world.”

Parents’ role in their children’s sexual identity

Children develop their gender identity as early as two, and the realization of their genders peak between ages three and seven.

“So if you don’t understand all this ‘political correctness’ and prefer the good old days when ‘men were men,’ you’re on the wrong side of history,” said Fatherly’s Jonathan Stern.

Parents can either make or break their children’s identity for good by how they decide to approach this topic.

“You can have an impact on their comfort with expression, or make it hard for them to tell you who they are,” he also said. “But you can’t change their inner self. Let them lead the way and choose the safest roads for that to be affirmed. Guide the kids toward a self-development path.”

Children begin to feel anxious when they start to notice that their genitals don’t match their gender.

It’s the parents’ job then to explain these complex dynamics and tell their children that there’s nothing wrong with them, and that what they’re feeling is fine.

Here’s another responsibility parents have to carry: making the future world a better place for their children to live in, and that can only happen once the world jettisons its outdated concepts and misguided beliefs and begin to embrace the ever-evolving world.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. 

Partner Stories
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
Are You Ready for PlayFACTO School’s Islandwide Open House Extravaganza?
Are You Ready for PlayFACTO School’s Islandwide Open House Extravaganza?
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • Here’s the difference between your kid's sex and gender and why it matters
Share:
  • Is It Easier for Parents to Raise Same Gender Kids?

    Is It Easier for Parents to Raise Same Gender Kids?

  • Why Some Men Cheat on Their Pregnant Wives

    Why Some Men Cheat on Their Pregnant Wives

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • Is It Easier for Parents to Raise Same Gender Kids?

    Is It Easier for Parents to Raise Same Gender Kids?

  • Why Some Men Cheat on Their Pregnant Wives

    Why Some Men Cheat on Their Pregnant Wives

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it