My Child Says They Are a Therian: A Guide for Parents
A therian is a person that identifies as a non-human animal, on a personal and non-physical level. This means that the therian completely understands that they are physically human, but from a spiritual, psychological, or other perspective they view themself as an animal.
Therianthropy is NOT the same thing as clinical lycanthropy, which is a mental health disorder where a person believes they are turning into an animal. Therianthropy is not classified as a mental illness and many therians live ordinary and healthy lives.
F.A.Q.
The honest answer is that while there is a good chance it is a phase, it is also very possible that it is not. Many therians report feelings of animality from a young age. However, in general therianthropy is relatively uncommon in the general population. It is unlikely that your child and all of their friends are also therians. Likely many of them will grow out of it, but please understand that there is a very real possibility that they do not.
Is this a phase?
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Therianthropy is one of those things that is very personal and different for everyone. However, some trends amongst the younger generation are mask and costume making ( and wearing such items ), jumping around on all fours to express themselves ( known as quadrobics ), and exhibiting animal like behavior and vocalizations. From an outsiders perspective, it very much can look like pretending to be an animal.
What can I expect, now that my child has told me they are a therian?
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Therianthropy in and of itself is not dangerous. However, if your child wears gear (masks, tails, tetc.) to school or out in public it is possibly they will be bullied. Additionally, some online therian spaces are exclusively for adults, and adult topics may be discussed. For this reason I highly recommend being aware of what your child is consuming online.
I’m concerned, is there a danger to my child?
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My child talks about shifts, should I be concerned?
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Shifts can very greatly from therian to therian, and not all therians experience them. If your child is saying they experience shifts the best way to understand is simply to ask about them. Often times when children describe shifts they report “feeling like an animal” and the urge to act in animal like ways.
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When should I seek outside help?
How can I talk to my child about this?
I am a community member, not a clinician, however if your child becomes distressed, withdrawn, talks about self-harm, is confused about what is real and what isn’t, talks about seeing things that no one else can see, talks about hearing voices no one else can hear, or, if they talk about blacking out or believing they can physically change into an animal, seek professional help.
I suggest approaching the topic with curiosity and a willingness to understand your child’s perspective. Likely, they are or where afraid to tell you about it. It is important to let them understand that they are supported.