Bringing my kids out in public as my true self for the 1st time later today & not gonna lie, feeling nervous about 2 things.
1st - they still call me dad, which I completely left up to them because I already changed enough, I wanted them to feel like they had a say in something
2nd - my fem voice awful atm, though still better than my natural voice.
So the combination of dad & a less than perfect voice has me anxious, and it's more anxiety I have FOR them, not me.
@MarvelousMadi13
You've got this! And it will be OK. The only role model that springs to mind is Caitlin Jenner (sorry. probably my ignorance speaking here... but she went through this too and her kids love her. Even if some of us are a little meh about her kids... but that's another topic.)
The point is, if she can do it, you can definitely do it. 💜 And people will love you, specially your kids. I promise. 💜
@MarvelousMadi13 One thing that helps is that it just doesn't really register for most people. You'll be fine! Just hold your head high, be confident, and act like you own the place :)
@lenaoflune easier said than done until they say "daddy daddy, can we get this candy?" That's the hard part, trying to hold my head high wnen multiple people are in the same isle 😱
@MarvelousMadi13 Oh, I bet people around won't even notice it, and if they do and have kids, they'll remember those halcyon days when their kids used one name and pronoun for everything :)
I say this not to dismiss your fear but just to provide support that it very likely won't even register for anyone :D
I never had to navigate transition with kids, but I *can* add to the notion that most people don't even notice. Trans people aren't a thing they think about, and nearly everyone is too focused on their own issues to think about us.
Enjoy the day with your kids!
@tyghebright @lenaoflune That's been my experience so far, a couple stares here and there, but I'm also 6'1, so that doesn't help
@MarvelousMadi13 @tyghebright Being 6 feet even myself, I get looks from various men. I choose to interpret that as them being stunned by a beautiful woman who's taller than they are ;)
@lenaoflune @tyghebright good way to look at it!
@lenaoflune That actually does help, thanks 😃
Keep breathing. Allow your children to adjust at their pace. Look beautiful!
@LnzyHou Good advice. I feel comfortable with the last 2 🤣 The first one will be a challenge
Be the best you💫
@MarvelousMadi13 That's awesome! I understand your anxiety, but remember that this is the first step to feeling completely comfortable. I understand your anxiety for them too, but just keep in mind that kids usually adapt way better and much quicker than adults. I think it's great that you left it up to them what they wanted to call you. Just be open to them and remind them that they can be open to you about their feelings. 🤗
@heyyou fingers crossed, they've been really great about everything so far, just super protective of them and want to shield them from things.
@MarvelousMadi13 sending hugs and lots of good vibes 💗
Scary and exciting to be taking this step. 👊 💚
@bluesbaby Def a little bit of both!!!
Let us know how it goes.
@MarvelousMadi13
Peace and strength to you!
All three of them have said multiple times they are good with us going out in public, so I guess it is more my anxiety lol