People are often aware of their gender from a very young age, but they don’t always have the words to express it. For example, most children have a sense of their gender identity by 4-5 years old, though their gender identity may change later in life.

Around this same age, children start to be aware of gender stereotypes and expectations for things like colours, toys and clothing. These expectations or gender norms are based on the sex a child is assigned at birth. For example, pink is for girls; boys play with trucks. Your child may see or experience gender norms in the media, their family, their environment and society. Gender norms can affect how children feel about themselves, their interests and how they relate to others.