The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids: A Guide to Exploring Who You Are

(Paperback)

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The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids offers fun, age-appropriate activities to help your child explore their identity and discover unique ways to navigate gender expression at home, in school, and with friends.Transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) children need validation and support on their journey toward self-discovery. Unfortunately, due to stigma and misinformation, these kids can be especially vulnerable to bullying, discrimination, and even mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. The good news is that there are steps you can take to empower your child as they explore, understand, and affirm their gender identity. This important workbook will guide you both.In this guide, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in gender-nonconforming youth offers real tools to help your child thrive in all aspects of life. You and your child will discover a more expansive way of understanding gender; gain insight into gender diverse thoughts, feelings, and experiences; and find engaging activities with fun titles such as, Apple, Oranges, and Fruit Bowls and Pronoun Town to help your child to explore their own unique identity in a way that is age-appropriate and validating.No child experiences gender in a vacuum, and children don't just transition - families do. Let this workbook guide you and your child on this important journey in their lives.

Reviews

"The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids is a must-have for parents, gender-diverse kids, and professionals who work with them. Kelly Storck has put together a phenomenal set of activities that increase understanding of gender-diverse people's history and bodies, and teach the much-needed real-world skills of how to answer other people's questions about your gender. I am thrilled to have this in my clinical toolbox to recommend to families for years to come."
--Colt Keo-Meier, PhD, child/family clinical psychologist, expert in gender health private practice, and University of Houston psychology department lecturer--Colt Keo-Meier, PhD
"The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids is just what it says it is: instant help for parents and kids. We have needed a gender guide for kids, families, and providers, and Kelly Storck has created the perfect companion. The book includes fun, simple language, great graphics, and useful activities to navigate school, families, friends, and the inner journey to understand and then rejoice in one's own gender. Thank you, Kelly!"
--Jen Hastings, MD, director of the Transgender Healthcare Program, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte; Medical Advisory Board, UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health; director of Medical Programming, Gender Spectrum--Jen Hastings, MD
"The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids is something I wish I'd had when our daughter transitioned, but so thankful to have now! We found the activities relevant, eye-opening, and age-appropriate for both of our children. Most importantly, it got us talking as a family about topics that we may not have discussed, and opened up conversation about being inclusive of others in ways we hadn't yet tackled. In addition, I've spent my entire career as an educator, and have seen schools slowly integrating conversation and activities around gender identity into many programs. This book will be a true game changer in that space, allowing schools to use portions where needed, or, as a unit to address school social-emotional goals. We often forget that that all people have a gender identity, and this workbook truly makes that evident, ensuring that regardless of a child's identity, we are all unique, special, and worthy of celebrating!"
--Vanessa Ford, MAT, parent advocate--Vanessa Ford, MAT
"The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids is the first of its kind to offer immediate support for kids exploring their gender. Written in a clear and concise manner, this book takes young readers on a journey of information and celebration about their authentic selves."
--Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specialist in the care of gender-diverse children, adolescents, and young adults; and medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children's Hospital Los Angeles--Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD
"Comprehensive and relatable, this workbook is a much-needed, invaluable tool for gender-expansive kids and those who are seeking to understand them! Kelly is the perfect person to write such a book, and she brings her signature compassion, empowerment, support, and strength to every page. The first of its kind for younger gender-expansive kids, this workbook will help them understand and communicate their uniquely personal experience of gender. Here's to the opening of hearts and important conversations!"
--Darlene Tando, LCSW, has a private practice in San Diego, CA; has been working with gender-expansive and transgender youth/adults since 2006; and is author of the book The Conscious Parent's Guide to Gender Identity--Darlene Tando, LCSW
"DeShanna: I really enjoyed the different activities this workbook had to offer for both parents and kids. I also believe this is a workbook that could help medical and mental health providers, as well as educators, understand more about the gender spectrum of the young gender-diverse people they work with. This workbook can change the narrative and change hearts and minds.

Trinity: I really liked all of this book; however, my favorite part was seeing all the trans people throughout history that have helped us progress. I really loved that many of them looked like me, a black trans girl, and gave me more hope and confidence that I too can make history and the world an even better place."
--DeShanna Neal, public advocate and mother of Trinity Neal (public advocate and transgender girl)--DeShanna Neal, Trinity Neal

"Kelly Storck's The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids is comprehensive--if you've thought about it, you'll likely find it in this book. Concepts are explained clearly, and with sensitivity, insight, caring, and compassion. Storck offers sage advice and support--it feels as if she is right there with you. This book is a valuable resource to go back to frequently on the gender journey of self-discovery, deeply affirming of the uniqueness and worth of every person."
--Stephen M. Rosenthal, MD, professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); cofounder and medical director of the UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center; immediate past president of the Pediatric Endocrine Society; and vice president of the Endocrine Society--Stephen M. Rosenthal, MD
"There are so many ways for kids to travel this path, and Kelly Storck offers a road map that makes the journey joyful. With compassion and humor, The Gender Identity Workbook for Kids lets little ones lead the way."
--Brook Pessin-Whedbee, author of Who Are You--Brook Pessin-Whedbee
"This is the book that I've been waiting for! Many parents with a gender-expansive child worry early on that they may 'push the child to be transgender' by allowing them to express their gender differences. And many well-meaning adults worry that other parents, therapists, and medical professionals will also push a child towards transitioning. This book answers each of those concerns. By providing a young person with bite-sized lessons about both identity and expression, and asking thought-provoking, open-ended questions, kids are offered a chance to figure out exactly who they are and where they fit on their own, with no pressure and no judgement. It's past time for us to have such a valuable tool, and I'm excited about being able to suggest it and share it with parents, teachers, and anyone who regularly works with youth."
--Debi Jackson, parent of a transgender daughter, trans youth advocate, speaker, and trainer--Debi Jackson

Author Bio

Kelly Sherman Storck, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and gender therapist with a private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Along with her work as a therapist, Storck presents on transgender issues, cofacilitates a support group for gender expansive youth, and works to build a thriving gender-diverse world with room for everyone. Topping the list of her other loves are her tween children, her spouse, and the amazing adventures they create together.