Free Parent Caregiver Guide
Gender Affirm: Scripting Success is an introductory guide to advocating for a transgender loved one in Nova Scotia
Download your free introductory guide for Parents, Caregivers, and gender affirming professionals.
Quick-Start Guide To Support Trans Young People in Nova Scotia. Get grounded, practical steps so you can show up with confidence, compassion, and clarity—starting today.
Understand what gender affirmation can look like at home, school, and in healthcare.
Learn what to say (and what to avoid) in the moments that matter most.
Get language, scripts, and reflection prompts for tough conversations with family.
Feel less alone with guidance from a coach experienced in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ families.
“As a parent, you don’t have to have it all figured out. You only have to be willing to learn and love out loud.”
— Cyn Sweeney, Parent & LGBTQ+ Affirming Coach
Inside the guide
Practical guidance for real-life moments with your child
This isn’t a textbook. It’s a calm, clear companion for parents, caregivers, and family members who want to affirm their trans or gender-diverse young person—but worry about saying or doing the wrong thing.
Preview of the Parent Caregiver Guide — open to see sample pages and practical tips.
Gender-affirming language basics
The importance of a 'name,' and simple 'language swaps,' —so you communicate with care and mutual respect.
Script prompts for hard conversations
Guided language you can adapt when talking with schools, camps, and healthcare providers—so your support is clear and consistent.
Support for you, too
Local 2SLGBTQIA+ community resources that are regional and provincial. They are in no particular order in Vol. 1 (work in progress), so be sure to scan through them all if you're looking for something in particular.
Parents and caregivers who feel informed and supported are better able to protect their young people’s mental health and safety. This guide is a first, gentle step.
Meet your guide
Cyn Sweeney, parent, coach, and steadfast ally to 2SLGBTQ+ people and their families
You want to show up for your child—and you also have your own fears, questions, and conditioning to navigate. As a coach, I support parents and caregivers to move from panic and confusion into grounded, gender-affirming care.
This guide distills what I share with clients again and again: how to stay connected to your child, how to advocate in unsupportive environments, and how to care for your own nervous system along the way.
- Trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming coaching approach
- Experience supporting parents, caregivers, and families
- Commitment to harm reduction and centering young people’s autonomy
If you’re feeling scared, overwhelmed, or alone—you are exactly who this guide was created for.
Questions parents ask
FAQ about Gender Affirm Guide
If you’re not sure whether this resource is right for you, these answers may help.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is designed for parents, caregivers, and family members of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse children and teens. Whether your young person just came out, has been out for years, or you only have a sense something is shifting, you’re welcome here. This Guide is also designed to support mental health professionals and practitioners support young people with gender affirming care. The Community Connection section is Nova Scotia-based.
Do I need prior knowledge about gender identity?
No. The guide provides access to terminology as well as access to online learning specific to beyond binary inclusion, language and communication skills. It focuses on gender identity, gender expression and sexual. orientation in a clear, easily accessible format. You’ll never be shamed for not knowing something—only invited to keep learning.
Will this replace therapy or medical advice?
No. This guide is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or legal counsel. It offers educational content, reflection prompts, and communication tools to support you in being a more affirming caregiver alongside professional support.
Transition Coaching is not mental health therapy and doesn’t provide diagnosis or treatment. Instead, it offers practical, affirming support to help you understand your child’s experience, build connection, and move forward with more confidence in how you show up for them. For clinical mental health care, please connect with a licensed health‑care or mental health professional. The Guide can help direct you to local healthcare providers.
What happens after I download the guide?
You’ll receive an email with a link to your PDF guide. You’ll also receive occasional emails from Cyn Sweeney Coaching with additional resources, reflections, and opportunities for deeper support. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Your email is used only to deliver the guide and related resources from Cyn Sweeney Coaching. Your information is never sold, and you can opt out at any time.
How can I support this work and production of free resources?
When you purchase one of Cynthia Sweeney's books, 100% of proceeds supports her capacity to offer free coaching services and resource creation materials. Cynthia is the #1 International Bestseller of 21st Century Voices: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong, where she shares the 'why' behind her journey into advocacy supporting families with transgender people. She is also the author of The Pink Balloon, a children's story for families about gender identity and shining as your true self. Based on a true story.
Start where you are
Download the Parent Caregiver Gender Affirming Guide today
Your child or teen doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present, curious, and willing. This guide will help you take the next right step.
- Immediate PDF download
- Created specifically for parents and caregivers
- Includes scripts, examples, and reflection prompts
Get instant access
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Parent & caregiver coaching for gender-affirming, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive homes.
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