Before I disconnect for the break, I wanted to find a more organized for parents can utilize the content here. Personally, I find that scrolling around searching for an item is frustrating. So I've created a PDF with direct links to my YouTube videos, and private SubscribeStar content. Q&As are still only accessible through the platform for privacy/confidentiality reasons.  Please keep this resource private and do not share on social media or with other families without my explicit permission. 

*Ok. I swear, I'm getting offline now*

Have a great Thanksgiving!

I appreciate all the parents who are here to support this page. I understand, however, the circumstances are deeply chaotic and devastating for many ROGD families. You are here because you've been let down by so many trusted establishments: medical, mental health, educational, and journalistic. 

I hope the content I provide here serves not just a way to put out the fire created by a sudden trans announcement, but also to foster skills and perspectives that will serve you as a parent for years to come. Parenting an ROGD child in our cultural zeitgeist is a true test of your resilience, flexibility and faith in yourself as a mother or father.

And in the meantime, little by little, more awareness is spreading about this ROGD phenomenon. Authors are writing, podcasters are discussing, parents are organizing, physicians are speaking out, and legislators are taking notice. I hope that as we approach the 2020 holiday season, and eventually move into next year, we'll see an even greater shift in the tide. 

I'll be taking some time away from the computer (fingers crossed) next week, and will return to check messages and upload content here on the first week of December. 


Be well, 

Sasha 

Sometimes a young person is identifying as trans almost exclusively in order to fit into a certain peer group, or in response to a bossy friend or crush encouraging the new identity. Stepping in to help your kid get out of a complex situation may be the best move, especially if the gender exploration is brand new and you have a great relationship. Here's a bit more on this topic, including some intervention strategies families might consider:


Resources mentioned in the video: 

We know the internet plays a large role in adolescent-onset dysphoria, and in this newsletter I make some suggestions about how to limit or monitor with less conflict: 

a. https://www.ted.com/talks/manoush_zomorodi_how_boredom_can_lead_to_your_most_brilliant_ideas?language=en 

b. https://www.ted.com/talks/tristan_harris_the_manipulative_tricks_tech_companies_use_to_capture_your_attention?language=en

c. Digital Wellness 

I'm gearing up to record and share my presentation "Gender Identity Theory: the Hijacking of Adolescent Development." It outlines the specific ideas that kids become enamored with while they researching gender identity. And as a primer, I want to provide information with you about high-control groups (AKA Cults).

Many families have described their child's obsession with gender and identity-change as cult-like. There may be an inauthentic performance of exaggerated masculinity (for girls), a turning away from parents and great secrecy, and the adoption of language and concepts which feel foreign to mom and dad. Perhaps as a parent, you can clearly see they're going down a risky path, but there's something deeply appealing to your child. 

Often attempting to show your teen contradictory information seems to backfire and they might shut down and shut you out. Telling your child that they're brainwashed rarely has the intended effect. So to understand more about the delicacy and strategy required to help your child, here's an excellent resource.

Pat Ryan and Joe Kelly are experts in high-control groups and in this video they give an overview that includes: Assessing a family’s unique situation; understanding why people join and leave groups; considering the nature of psychological manipulation and abuse; being accurate, objective, and up-to-date; looking at ethical issues; learning how to assess you situation; formulating a helping strategy; learning how to communicate more efficiently with your loved one; learning new ways of coping.

(Sorry the audio is not great. I asked Pat and their mic system went out, so this is all we've got for this particular content)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_wzgSdX_hQ&feature=emb_logo
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