I am posting this more so to help anyone else that is struggling coming out to there children or any other for that matter. I consider myself timid and scared to confront issues head on, so if I can do this it is possible for (almost) anyone.

First:
I have recently came out to a freind (girl) it was somewhat ironic because I thought she may be the first. I had not seen her in a while and when I did she didn't even recognise me (nothing new), she and her co worker now see what I look like. A couple of days later her co worker ran into me while I was assumed female. I thought I better call and let her know the truth of whats up rather then appear like the guy that likes to fly in lingerie UGH!! Because of this revelation, I seemed to have more confidence in talking with my children, this is the main reason I am posting but thought I would tell what started it all first.

I have come out to my children!!!

I would love to say this was a momentum experience and I had a big sigh of relief but today is just like any other day. Don't get me wrong I did do some crying (thats me) and I do feel I am breathing easier but it seemed like such a non event to them. I do know the reason and it is something I planned and also in how I have raised them.

I have transitioned very slowly and have gradually changed appearance, sound and other things very slowly,because of this I am appearing and sounding to them the same today as I was a year ago. The changes that have occurred wern't over night and were not noticed by them or even to myself I am blessed for this as my children act as if nothing is different (it isn't) the main thing I feared was that I had visible breasts, I told them I now have breasts and have to wear a bra, they said they already knew and noticed. I have worn some tops that don't hide the appearance of my breasts the best but for the most part I have worn hoodys to cover.

Taking things slow has many advantages and I would not change how I have and am proceeding, but in doing things this way changes that have occurred or that I have made are not as easy to notice. For example, I am assumed female most of the time even while talking, (I am amazed at this myself) my voice is definetly not overly female but not male either. My children say that I don't look or sound like a girl and have always laughed or wondered why others thought I was a girl. My one child last night after bieng "she'd" by a clerk told me in the car "Dad, you don't even sound like a woman", I said your right, I don't sound like some woman (talked in a higher pitch) but I do sound like many others. He kind of shrugged. I said ok, I coughed a couple of times and with my old voice (SHOCKED THE  OUT OF ME TOO) said well, do I sound like a male now, he just looked in amazement, I said that is how I use to sound a year or less ago. He never even noticed how my voice had changed, heck I hadn't even until I heard the old one come out of my mouth.

If I can do this anybody can! I worry about the smallest things in life so you can imagine how much anxiety I had over telling my children. I did this!!

I still have a ways to go and I will continue to stay on pace, my next biggest hurdle is, coming out to business associates and clients. UGH!

Pleas feel free to ask me any thing if you need support or advice. I would of had more anxiety and may have waited even longer if not for the help of many on here, I will not list who, you know who you are. Many of you don't even know you have helped me, I am a researcher more then a reply-er and therefore have not made too many posts thanking people for advice or support. Thank You! now.

Best Wishes
Shelly

Congrats!
I think a slower steady transition is best, and it seems like you are doing that perfectly. This post made me smile

That's so awesome, hon!!!  Big hugs to you!   I'm so happy to hear their reaction was positive as well.

Hey hon, congratulations. I know how big this was for you, and indeed, anybody.

Thank you all!

Melody thank you especially!!

You have been one of the few that have helped me along the way, more then you know. I think I even may have been here (susans) before you and look how far along you are ahead of me. That is Great!  We all take things at speeds we are capable of.

I would love to be where you are and even farther where many other girls are, I know though it would of been too fast for me and especially my children. That's not to mean in any ways you or anybody else has gone too fast or done things wrong, just not the way I am able  too.

Shelly

I  am endlessly happy for you and that their reaction was positive.

My absolute best wishes

That is great Shelly.
I too have

QuoteI have transitioned very slowly and have gradually...

But this is my second try at transitioning. First time I told me children and my wife I was on the fast track.
They all worked worked together to stop me and and they did.
Now I am on the slow track but my wife is still with me and my children are still talking to me.
They even trust me to be out with and alone with my grandchildren.
I pray that it continues to go well with you Shelly.
Hugs,
Jillieann

@ Maiara, thank you that is so sweet of you!

Jillieann,
I did not know this, I wish you all the best looks like things are going better this time. They could of never known that once you have accepted yourself and started to transition,you can not just put it back on a shelf and continue on as before. I do fear this though, I would do anything for my children including detransitioning, I have been upfront and told them this isn't something I decided in a week and its not something I could put back and suppress any more. I would end up being worse then I was before. If this would be something that they just couldn't handle and I feared for their life or stability I would stop!

This is all very new to them. They don't fully realize what is to come, with school (in fall) freinds, and especially my ex. I am preparing them for this but I can only tell the what may happen or not. Once they experience an odd reaction or non acceptance it will be up to them to decide if they can handle this. I have all the confidence in them to adjust but realize it is going to take time. My biggest fear is that their mother and worst (there ca-the-lic God fearing grandmother) will brain wash them differently.

We all went to a social function tonight, I was dressed no different then a week ago including hoody UGH. I knew I would be assumed female by all that met me but now my children know so I am assuming they will watch the Dad word better. This did not happen I continually heard Dad over and over (I don't hate them or blame them) and was getting so many strange looks. This didn't bother me nearly as much just 3 days ago and has been happening now for the last 6 months. I just couldn't take it no more and went to the car to cry. I ruined are evening just because I couldn't take being called Dad by his own children. We have since talked more on using my name or possibly Dom! I told them I love being called Dad its just to the world Dad = male.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful children! I just pray that they can handle this.

Jillieann I do believe you are appearing closer every time I see your profile pic. 

Hi Shelly

I was so excited to read this post, brought a huge grin to my face.

I think i have been here longer then you and like you i am a researcher not a poster.  There are many here that have unknowingly helped me as well.

You have progressed faster then me, so yes we all have our path to follow. I am excited for and a little envious of those who progress quickly, but we must go at our own pace.

I think my kids are a bit older then yours.  Both of my girls pieced it all together in January this year and have excellent.  Like you mentioned almost a non event.

Again, so happy for you, it is a huge and important step in the journey for those of us with kids.

Hugs
Shelly x

Sounds like your children are fairly young, so they still sort of believe in magic.  Their response is wonderful to hear.  Mine are adults and are still having trouble getting their heads around the whole idea.  This is a bit of a  disappointment, especially in the case of my son who is FtM himself. 
The hardest part for our children  is imagining parents having a sex life or anything similar!
Karen.

I am so happy for you Shelly.   I've been waiting for the day you'd do this and it makes me extremely happy to see that it went well for you.

All the best,
Amy

@ Shelly, Thank you your words of encouragement go a long ways!

@justmeinoz, Thank you, I'm sorry to hear about your sons attitude, sometimes the ones you think would or could completely understand your situation don't. I fear this with other people I have to come out to. My sister will find out tomorrow.

@Amy, your words are so uplifting to hear. I hope all is well with your recovery from FFS. I'm sure you will feel even more beautiful after healing. I think you were fine without it, but I understand your need (want) I also would love to get FFS. I can only imagine how much more confirming it would make me feel.

Shelly

*gives you a big hug*

Good for you, honey. You and your children are very lucky to have each other. The fear barrier is one of the biggest things to ever overcome and doing so is always a very big step. You should be very proud of yourself, and them.