The world of childhood is ever-evolving, and today, parents might encounter a surprising trend: Kids That Identify As Animals. This isn’t about a fleeting game of make-believe; for some children, it’s a deeper exploration of identity and community, manifesting as “furries” or the perhaps lesser-known “therians.” If your child has expressed an animal identity, you might feel a mix of confusion, concern, or even alarm. Are they unhappy with who they are? Is this just a “weird” phase, or something more? This article, drawing on insights from child psychology, aims to demystify this phenomenon, explain what it means when children engage with these identities, and offer guidance on how to respond supportively, particularly for pre-adolescent children (around ages 8-12) in the early stages of exploring such an identity. While scientific information on therianthropy, especially in children, is limited, the following insights are offered to promote overall child mental health and reflect observations from child psychology professionals.
A child playfully wearing cat ears and a tail, embodying the imaginative spirit of kids that identify as animals.
Understanding “Furries”: The Fandom and Expression
The term “furry” often comes up when discussing Kids That Identify As Animals, though it’s more accurately described as a fandom. It involves individuals who appreciate animalized art and self-expression. Most visibly, this takes the form of dressing up as anthropomorphic (human-like) animals, a kind of cosplay. However, the interest can also be expressed through drawing, writing, or a general fascination with specific animals, often those perceived as “cute” or cuddly, like dogs, cats, or bunnies – hence the term “furry.” While these are common, technically, one could be a furry representing any animal, even one without fur. Furries might also occasionally mimic animal behaviors, such as crawling, hopping, or making animal sounds.
For children, engaging with furry culture is typically a harmless form of play and self-expression. Kids naturally love pretend play and dressing up. Discovering the furry fandom provides a structured way to engage with these beloved creatures. When a child says, “I am a furry,” it’s often their way of stating they enjoy this culture of animal-themed dress-up and connecting with others who share this interest. It’s generally not a sign of deep-seated issues but rather an extension of imaginative play.
While this form of expression is harmless, it’s also practical to teach children about social contexts. Wearing a full cat costume to school might violate dress codes, and it’s perfectly acceptable for parents to enforce such rules. This isn’t about stifling their interest but about teaching societal norms and expectations, which can make their lives easier. The key is to allow space for this play at home or in appropriate settings. Childhood is fleeting, and opportunities for unbridled play should be cherished before the pressures of “growing up” take over.
Delving Deeper: What Does It Mean to Be “Therian”?
“Therian” is a distinct concept, though it shares some overlap with the furry fandom. A person who identifies as therian genuinely feels they are a non-human being, typically an animal like a wolf, cat, bear, or even something less conventional like a worm. This identification is on a psychological or spiritual level, not just a preference for dressing up. Therianthropy falls under the broader “otherkin” umbrella, which includes individuals who identify with mythical or fantasy beings like elves, dragons, or faeries.
For most children, especially in the 8-12 age range, identifying as therian is often still rooted in play, community-seeking, and exploring an anthrozoomorphic (part-human, part-animal) identity. It’s generally more about “fun” and connection than a deeply solidified, lifelong identity at this stage. However, as individuals mature into adolescence and adulthood, therianthropy can evolve into a more serious, spiritual way of life for some. This developmental path can be likened to how religious or spiritual beliefs may deepen or change as a child grows. Some may solidify their therian identity, while others may drift away or explore different spiritual paths.
It’s crucial for parents to understand that therianthropy itself is not inherently harmful. While it can have spiritual components for some, it’s not typically classified as a religion. Supporting a child as they explore this mindset, keeping an open mind, and allowing them to develop this understanding in a way that makes sense to them is generally beneficial. As they mature, they’ll be better able to articulate what therianthropy means to them. For younger children, the best approach is often to “let them be kids” and enjoy the discovery process.
Extreme physical alterations to resemble an animal or otherkin identity, such as extensive tattoos or body modifications, are very rare. While atypical, even these extreme expressions are not inherently harmful, and individuals who choose this path are not usually at high risk for problematic behaviors. For the vast majority, including children, the appeal lies in the community and shared understanding with like-minded individuals. The internet has played a significant role in allowing therians to connect and openly discuss their identities.
The Core Motivation: Connection, Identity, and Play
Whether a child is drawn to furry fandom or identifies as therian, a primary motivator is often the desire for connection and belonging. These communities offer a space for kids that identify as animals to find others who share their unique interests and understand their perspective. It’s fundamentally about forming an identity and making connections, much like someone joining a sports team because they love the game and identify as an athlete, or a gamer joining a club to discuss video games. These are all ways people pursue their passions, build meaningful identities, and connect with others.
If your child announces they are therian, the best reaction is often curiosity and acceptance rather than alarm. Engaging with their interest, even if you don’t fully understand it, provides them with the space to explore whether this identity truly resonates with them long-term. Many childhood interests evolve. An intense passion at age ten might be a fond memory by age twenty. Similarly, children exploring furry or therian identities may find their interests shift as they grow. Some may continue these interests into adulthood, perhaps cosplaying at conventions or becoming artists specializing in animal themes. Others may move on. Predicting a child’s long-term spiritual or identity path at a young age is impossible, but providing support and space for exploration is always valuable.
It’s common for children to engage with these interests as a form of play and personal discovery. Encouraging this exploration, even if the origins or expressions of the interest seem perplexing, allows these interests to follow a natural course.
Navigating Challenges: Expert Q&A for Concerned Parents
The journey of understanding and supporting kids that identify as animals can come with specific questions and concerns. Here’s some guidance based on common parental inquiries, approached from a child psychology perspective.
Supporting a Child Facing Social Stigma
Q: “I am very worried about how other kids treat my 11-year-old daughter who uses the term ‘furry’ and ‘therian’ to describe her wolf play. She has already been ‘shunned’ by some friends and their parents. How do I help her with this?”
A: It’s natural to worry when your child faces social difficulties. Firstly, acknowledge your daughter’s courage in staying true to her interests despite negative reactions. This resilience is a valuable trait. It’s helpful to understand that the experience of being therian can share similarities with neurodivergence or belonging to a minority spiritual community. Misunderstanding often breeds fear, which can lead to hurtful actions from others.
It’s not your daughter’s responsibility to change others’ perceptions. Instead, focus on equipping her with coping strategies. Help her understand that not everyone will understand her, and that’s not her fault. Discuss with her how much she wants to share about her identity and with whom, empowering her to make those choices. Model this yourself by explaining how you might show different parts of your personality in different settings (e.g., professional at work, silly at home).
The goal isn’t for her to hide an important part of herself due to others’ ignorance, but to navigate social situations wisely. Encourage her to find “her people” – friends who accept her as she is. Often, these connections are found in activities that foster creativity and imagination, like art, theater, music, or gaming clubs. If possible, expose her to environments like comic conventions where diverse identities are celebrated. This can provide a sense of belonging and reinforce that her interests are valid and shared by others.
Are All Forms of Therianthropy Healthy?
Q: “I regret my decision when I was younger to be therian. It caused a lot of problems for me. Are all types of therianthropy equally healthy?”
A: Not all expressions or experiences within any belief system are equally healthy. Healthy therianthropy generally involves an individual being able to integrate their human and non-human identities, allowing them to navigate both worlds without major difficulties and pursue life goals without harming others. It’s normal for interests and identities to change over time. If someone finds that a therian lifestyle no longer suits them, it’s okay to move towards something that works better, provided these changes are made for healthy reasons.
Parents can support their therian-leaning children by creating a safe space for ongoing conversations about whether their engagement with therianthropy is positive and healthy. The focus should be on ensuring the child can still optimize their experiences in the non-therian, human world. It’s about finding a balance that supports their overall well-being and happiness. Everyone deserves to find their true self while striving to be their best self, whether that includes a therian identity or not.
Understanding “Shifts,” Amnesia, and Disorientation
Q: “My kid and her friends talk about having ‘amnesia’ and disorientation during or after a ‘shift.’ What is that about? That can’t be healthy, can it?”
A: This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration, balancing an understanding of imaginative play with potential spiritual or psychological experiences. It’s important to approach this with cultural sensitivity. Some cultures recognize experiences of “shifts” in consciousness or identity (like “zar” in some African and Middle Eastern communities) not as pathological but as spiritual occurrences managed through specific rituals.
Within the therian community, the desirability of complete amnesia during a “shift” (a perceived transformation into their animal identity) is debatable. From a culturally sensitive psychological perspective, a healthy therian identity often strives for integration, where different aspects of self coexist and communicate. Complete amnesia during shifts could hinder learning and taking responsibility for actions during that state.
It’s also crucial to distinguish between genuine spiritual shifts and childhood imaginative play. Children often “play” at experiences they observe or learn about. For outsiders, and sometimes even for the individual, differentiating between play and an “awakening” to therianthropy can be difficult, especially in younger children. This understanding often clarifies with maturity.
If true dissociation (a disconnect from one’s thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity) is present and causing problems, it warrants attention. The issue with problematic dissociation isn’t necessarily having multiple facets to one’s identity (everyone has these – we act differently with friends, family, and at work), but rather a lack of integration into a cohesive single self. The goal is to help the child experience their full self more wholly, encouraging communication between their “shifted” self and “other” self.
This integrated self can be framed, respectfully of therian beliefs, as the therian self overseeing and harmonizing the animal and human aspects. This promotes the idea that being therian isn’t about being either animal or human, but both simultaneously. This concept of an integrated self is a healthy psychological principle for everyone.
Furthermore, if shifts or urges to shift cause problems (e.g., at school, during activities like driving), it’s beneficial to explore strategies for managing these urges. Techniques similar to those used for tic disorders (like CBIT – Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) might be adapted. This involves learning to recognize the urge to shift and employing “competing responses” to manage it until a more appropriate time and place. The goal is for the individual to feel a sense of control and choice over how and when they express their shifts, leading to a healthier, more integrated experience.
Conclusion: Fostering Understanding and Acceptance
The phenomenon of kids that identify as animals, whether through the furry fandom or a therian identity, is primarily a journey of exploration, play, and seeking connection. For most children, especially in their pre-teen years, these expressions are harmless and can be important for their developing sense of self and community. While it may seem unconventional to some, the underlying needs for identity, belonging, and self-expression are universal.
As parents and caregivers, the most constructive approach is one of open-mindedness, support, and a willingness to learn. Instead of reacting with fear or dismissal, strive to understand what these identities mean to your child. Provide a safe space for them to explore their interests, ask questions, and share their experiences without judgment. While setting appropriate boundaries for behavior in different social contexts is necessary, it’s equally important to allow them the freedom to be themselves in safe environments.
By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, you empower your child to navigate their unique path of self-discovery. Whether these interests are a passing phase or evolve into a more lasting part of their identity, your support will be a crucial factor in their healthy development and well-being.
References
For further academic reading on therianthropy, the following article offers a respectful perspective:
