Waterford Minister Mary Butler has urged parents to avail of the various supports that are available for young people who are in the process of transitioning - as she spoke of her experiences with her own youngest son.
The Portlaw-based TD says her own coping mechanisms from her work as Minister with responsibility for Mental Health and also support from her local GP, helped her family on their journey.
In an exclusive interview on Deise Today this morning (Friday), the Minister revealed her personal experience in this area and in particular, had high praise for her son's secondary school in Kilmacthomas which, she said, had been incredibly supportive of the family on their learning curve.
She did acknowledge that supports overall for children and young people who were transitioning were "not where they should be" and that in particular, talk therapy and psychological supports were important for such young people, not just a referral to a psychiatrist.
She said it was most important, however, for parents to sit down and listen to the child involved and provide all the support they possibly could within the home.
The Minister was on 'Deise Today' speaking about a new anti-bullying strategy in schools which was unveiled by Government before Christmas.
She told the programme that her son had endured some bullying on his journey but was now in fifth year in his school and doing really, really well.
You can listen to Mary's interview with Damien via the podcasts section on our website, or by clicking here.
