Parenting stress, not gender identity, predicts child outcomes
Children of transgender and nonbinary parents develop typically, stressing parenting quality over identity.
Why it matters
- Shows that children of transgender and nonbinary parents develop similarly to those of cisgender parents.
- Emphasizes the importance of parenting quality over parental gender identity.
By the numbers
- 138 parents participated in the study.
- Children aged 1 to 12 were included.
The big picture
- Parenting techniques and stress levels are more influential than parental gender identity in child development.
- Suggests that transgender and nonbinary parents might have unique strategies to buffer their children from stress.
What they're saying
- Lead researcher Samantha Tornello highlights that children of transgender and nonbinary parents show typical development.
- Co-author Rachel Riskind suggests that these parents may use distinctive practices to protect their children from stress.
Caveats
- Study is based on self-reports from parents.
- Sample size is small (138 parents).
What’s next
- Further research could explore the distinctive practices used by transgender and nonbinary parents to buffer their children from stress.
- Findings could inform policies on adoption, custody, and family support systems.