Absolutely, a child’s understanding of their gender identity can evolve over time. This is due to the dynamic nature of self-discovery, which is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including:

  • Internal psychological processes: This encompasses a child’s internal sense of self and how they feel in relation to gender. This internal feeling may or may not align with their assigned sex at birth, and it can remain consistent or evolve over time (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2023).
  • External influences: The world around a child shapes their understanding of gender. This includes interactions with families, peers, media, and society as a whole. These external influences can expose children to diverse gender expressions and challenge traditional gender norms, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of their own identity (Russell & Sonnet, 2022).
  • Cognitive development: As children mature, they develop a greater capacity for self-reflection and understanding. This can lead to a deeper awareness of their gender identity and potentially a re-evaluation of previously held beliefs or feelings (American Psychological Association, 2019).

It’s important to understand that not all children will experience changes in their gender identity. Many children will have a consistent understanding of their gender from a young age. However, for others, the process of self-discovery can be fluid and iterative. This means their understanding of themselves might evolve as they learn and grow (World Professional Association for Transgender Health, 2012).

References:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2023). Gender Identity and Expression in Children and Adolescents. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Member_Resources/SOGIIC/SOGIIC.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019, October 21). Supporting the emotional and social development of transgender children and youth. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/advocating-transgender-nonbinary-youths

American Psychological Association. (2019). Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – Help for Parents, Educators, and Other Professionals. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq

Russell, S. T., & Sonnet, A. (2022). The Development of Gender Identity in Children. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, 13(1), 339-364. https://www.outlookindia.com/culture-society/poems-on-gender-and-identity-magazine-342694