As wonderful as this time of year is, and as much as I love it, even I would have to call BS if we didn't also address some of the very obvious and universal stresses that come with it.

 

Sometimes this is because of family pressure. Sometimes it's our own perfectionism that gets in the way of true joy.

 

And if you're parenting a kid who has come out as transgender in the last year or two, you’re also dealing with how to navigate this with your extended family.

 

There’s no one way to do this. There’s no one size fits all model.

 

In some families, the kiddo does everything. In others, the parents do it all.

 

That’s why I’m thrilled to have our friend Carmen back on with us along with her husband, Tim to share their experience with difficult conversations, boundary setting, and supporting each other as they move through the tall grass of supporting their transgender kiddo.

 

I've also invited my badass friend and colleague Jess back on the show. The two of us talk about the questions and advice we've given families over the years as they navigate the holiday season.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How to engage in difficult conversations with your family about the holidays and supporting your transgender child
• How Carmen and Tim’s holiday traditions and rituals have changed over the years
• How the holidays can be an opportunity to create new traditions for you family
• How boundaries are essential for them and how important it is to have the courage to set them and hold them up—and why boundaries do not have to be agreed upon to be respected

Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:

• wildheartsociety.org
• Wild Heart Society on Facebook
• Wild Heart Society on Instagram

 

Gift Ideas:

• For Trans Boys: Chest binders - gc2b.co
• Swimwear: tomboyX.com; dapperboi.com
• Teen Vogue - Best Gifts For Your Transgender Loved Ones
• Huffington Post - Trans Youth Girfts
• Buzz Feed - Gifts That Support the Trans Community

Resources:

• The TransSanta Project
• Extra Support: www.thetrevorproject.org
• Transgender Lifeline or call (877) 565-8860