cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/2733818
I know that therians are not furries but I’m looking for any input I can get.
I’ve read through some of the top posts for r/therian. I have a vague understanding of otherkin in general but hadn’t heard of therians in particular. If my kid said they were a furry, I’d be well within my comfort zone. I fuck with furries. But this seems like people who feel they are trans-species and talk about having species dysphoria. I just don’t know what to make of it but I’m also trying to not overreact or let my snap judgements alienate my kid. I assume they feel like they’ve just had to come out to me, which is something I’ve gone out of my way to not make necessary in terms of gender and sexuality stuff. Just didn’t see this coming.
If the worst thing that happens is they enjoy making animal noises and spend more time out in nature, I’m super down. If they start experiencing alienation from their own identity because of this, I’m not sure what I’ll do.
I think it might be best to have your kid explain how they’re feeling and why rather than the internet. Asking questions doesn’t have to be critical, it should be framed as accepting but also “I have no idea what you’re talking about and just want to know what’s going on.” Have your kid talk through their feelings with you without passing judgement. The internet might be able to paint in broad strokes how your kid is feeling/identifying, but only your kid can give you the specifics.
I also don’t want to make snap judgements and I’m trying not to be too critical but I remember being very into identifying as a half wolf/half man hybrid in like 4/5th grade and I’m sort of glad there were no communities out there to validate that because I probably would’ve just made that my identity at that point. But looking back I realize the reason I did that was probably because I had started feeling very outcasted around those years, like I didn’t fit in with my peers. By 7th grade the whole thing had receded as I began to make friends. So I don’t know, there’s validity to these things but there’s also deeper things that can be going on, and it’s good to talk with your kid to understand the specifics of their experience. But of course always be accepting and open, your kid needs to figure their identity out for themself, all you can really provide is guidance and an open ear.
(full disclosure though I say this as a non-parent who knows nothing about therians so I could be talking out my ass)