Seeking Sources by May 7!
Parenting Stories: Need Educators, Parents, Health Pros, and Experts
I am working on two stories for Parents.com, which asks people with first-hand knowledge to tell their stories. The questions are meant to jog memories, inspire conversation, and spark advice-sharing for others not as far along in this journey. They are not intended to offend. In the spirit of positivity and inclusion, please respond or share with your networks of real people willing to share their real stories!
(There’s no hate allowed here, so trolls or trouble seekers will be ignored or blocked.)
1 - Seeking high school educators, college admissions experts, and parents of kids who have gone to boarding school to dispel rumors and offer advice.
You never thought you’d send your child to boarding school—These Are The Pros and Cons
Q1 - What are the pros of boarding schools? In terms of college admission, personal development, and careers?
Q2 - What are the cons of boarding schools? In terms of college admission, personal development, and careers?
Q3 - What are some of the rumors you've heard about boarding schools? What were some of your fears about sending your kids to one? Were some founded or unfounded? Explain.
Q4 - What are some surprising perks or benefits you've found in sending your children to boarding school? Or is there something you've seen in boarding school alumni as a positive trend?
Q5 - Any advice for parents who are considering sending their kids to boarding school but are on the fence?
Q6 - Name some of the schools you’ve toured/liked and others that you don’t think you’d send your child to. Explain.
2 - Gender Expression: Seeking parents to break down the Financial, Medical, and Emotional Resources They Used to Support their Kids' Transition.
My Child is Trans. Here’s What it Really Take to Be a Supportive Parent!
For this story, I would like to get three parents to (anonymously) share their journeys supporting their kids with gender expression: everything from gender reassignment to legal documentation, etc. school transitions, medical care, etc.
Seeking tips and best practices to guide others!
Many people expect that their kids will discover their true gender expression in adulthood - after they are 18 or after they're no longer on their parent's health insurance. But the truth is many kids know well before then. This means parents have to gather the resources to work against the binary gender system to the benefit of their kids. Seeking parents who are farther along in the process to help other parents who are just now pondering how to support their kids through puberty, hormone therapy, and even moving states/schools to find more inclusive environments.
Q1 - Where are you from? How old was your child when s/he started expressing a different gender expression than their gender assigned at birth?
Q2 - Please outline some of the emotional, financial, and health support you've provided before your child turned 18 yr old. (Please use real numbers, as much as possible.)
Q3 - Did you choose to support your child through puberty blockers or hormone therapy? Why or why not? How much did it cost? How long did it last? Pls, add any tips for parents considering this for their children.
Q4 - Have you moved states/schools to find more inclusive environments? Where did you go? Was it worth it? Pls, add any tips for parents considering this for their children.
Q5 - How have you (as a parent) been supported during the process? Are there any groups or resources that have been particularly helpful?
Q6 - Anything I missed or misunderstood? Share your thoughts & best advice!
If you don’t like my questions because you think there are other, more important things people should know about supporting their children - feel free to tell me what you think matters most!
The deadline is fast approaching on May 7th.
Email responses to: nafeesah@nafeesahallen.com
If your answers are selected for inclusion in the stories, I’ll reply with a note and follow-up questions.
Thanks for your time & consideration, in advance!
