My daughter starts secondary school next week.
She's always had a masculine clothing style. She's had an occassional bit of minor teasing but she's confident in herself so has shrugged it off.
She's had her hair cut into a very short, very boyish pixie. She loves it and it is very her. It's the complete opposite to the ubiquitous long straightened hair that all girls around here seem to have.
She went to kids club a few days this week and was constantly asked if she was a boy, trans or if she was gay. They even called her a boys name until a leader stepped in.
It could just be that group but I'm worried that her style and particularly her new hair will draw a lot of negative attention. How can I help her continue to feel confident enough to be herself?
I was bullied throughout school for being the odd one. I don't want her to feel she has to conform. I just want her to continue to be self-assured and happy to wear the boys school shoes (or girls shoes) if she wants.
What techniques can I give her? I was always told to just ignore the bullies even when they were throwing stuff at me which obviously works very well and serves me well in adulthood (sarcastic).
Disclaimer: I know clothing etc doesn't have genitals but it's clear what I mean when I say "boys shoes". The stuff she likes is very obviously from the boys section. I also know short hair can be feminine but her cut isn't (which is absolutely fine). Also, I don't think she is gay or trans but if she is, that's fine too.