Even before Bruce Jenner transitioned to Caitlin, buzz about transexuality began.  This was due, in large part, I believe, to the fact that questioning gender identity taps into one of the deepest wonderings of every man and woman: who am I? Astute and loving parents are additionally burdened with wanting to help their children answer this question. It’s no wonder that many have become unsettled. Every parent wants his or her children to grow up to be happy, well adjusted and comfortable in their own skin.

I have received many questions from parents about what to say, how to respond and how to know if their son or daughter is transsexual. I thought that it was time to bring reason to this dilemma from a medical standpoint.

I classify children who say they identify with the opposite sex into two camps. First, there is a group of children who are intrigued with the opposite sex and identify with it in outward ways. They dress, act and wish to be like the opposite sex. This happens usually between the ages of 5-12. These are the girls who act like tomboys and the boys who run around the house or neighborhood in their…