Coed sleepover conundrum
By Michele Kambolis, Vancouver Sun January 22, 2013
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Coed+sleepover+conundrum/7853227/story.html (http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Coed+sleepover+conundrum/7853227/story.html)
A mother struggles to balance being sensitive to a new situation and being a concerned parent of a teenager.
My 14-year-old daughter's close friend is transgender and in the process of changing from female to male. My husband and I are totally supportive, as are the friend's parents. When my daughter announced that her friend was beginning his change process, I informed her that some things would have to be different - specifically sleepovers. Of course, she laments that the two of them are not doing anything, making me feel old-fashioned, prudish and suspicious. They are only 14, and are very good friends. I know nothing is "happening." Am I being hasty in setting these ground rules?
- Muddled Mom, Vancouver
YOUR TWO CENTS
If this child wants to identify as male, he and your daughter have to accept everything that comes along with that. Which means no coed sleepovers!
- Nathan, Pemberton