Raising Ryland audiobook

This was an incredibly moving memoir about parenting both a trans child and a child born deaf. I was a bit nervous before I started this would be one of those preachy Christian memoirs but while there was a couple parts about God and Church, overwhelming it was all just a story about love and acceptance and learning to do what's best for your child even though it might cost you personal relationships and more. Great on audio narrated by Ryland's mother. This is a must read for anyone going through similar circumstances of wanting to learn how to support trans children. HIGHLY recommended!

As a parent I couldn't think of having to go through this with my child. How does a 2 or 3 year old know he is a transgender. This should've been left alone until the child was older. I don't want to sound mean but it seems like these parents like being on you tube and being fawned over because their child is different then others. It also seems Mom is remembering things her way. I know of no 5 year old who is as mature as that.If I had told my parents I want to be a boy, they would have said okay go outside and play. Children like to pretend it's part of growing up. I wish Ryland and the family the best in life.

I am a bookseller at a local, independent bookstore and read this book in ARC form. As someone with a social worker background I felt drawn to this book because of its progressive, and controversial, content. I had heard of Ryland, back when he was originally making headlines, but I had never really heard his story the way it deserved to be heard.Going into this book I definitely had a bias. I am absolutely not a fan of the new trend regarding parents turning their families, and children, into YouTube stars. I was thinking to myself, "What kind of parents would put their child on the internet, especially during the most intense, traumatic experience of their entire life?" I told myself that I needed to put my bias aside and read this book, however, because I felt there was a good chance that, even if I disapprove of the parent's parenting style, my life might be bettered by learning about this incredibly brave child.Throughout the book my opinion of the Whittington family changed. While at the beginning I was shouting out loud "how could you not notice your child's pain?" by the end I was fully aware of how difficult the decision to acknowledge their once-daughter as their son must have really been. I think that the book was well written. It was a very easy-read, as Mrs. Whittington is certainly no seasoned author, just someone looking to tell their story and help others. I think that this book would be a wonderful read for anyone with a transgendered friend/family member, or anyone looking to be more understanding towards the plight of transgendered individuals. Prior to reading this book I could only imagine the difficulties that face transgendered individuals, and I had never even thought about the added difficulty of being a transgendered child. After reading this book I have a much greater understanding of the experience that a transgendered individual goes through, yes, but I also have something I never had before, and that is a greater understanding of the experience of the family of the transgendered individual. A supportive family can make all the difference.

Tissues! You will need tissues! At least, I needed them as I lay in bed last night reading this amazingly heartfelt story of Hillary and her love for her son.I have to admit, when I first picked up the book, I was a little skeptical. I mean, how does a child Ryland's age know what is best for him? However, reading what Ryland and his family went through during those first five years of his life and just hearing about what one small change to could to him made me re-think everything I had ever believed about transgender people.To see such unconditional love from his family, to see how Hillary, over time, could see what was happening and doing everything she could to prepare for the day she knew was coming and how she could help others understand made me want to jump up and applaud her. The most important person in her life right at that moment was Ryland and making sure he felt safe and loved. My heart broke as Ryland began the conversation but was put together again by the way Hillary...and her family, handled it.If you had ever wondered what being transgender means or what a family goes through with the realization that their beautiful daughter is really a handsome son, then you NEED to read about this family.Hillary, Jeff, Ryland and Brynley, you all should stand up and take a bow. What you are doing in this world will ultimately make it a safer place to truly be who you are...not who everyone expects you to be. THANK YOU for sharing your story. I believe that my life is much richer for having read about yours.

Straightforward and honestly written, Whittington's book about her Trans son, Ryland is a super engaging read about inspiringly open-minded people who rise to the occasion by allowing love to guide their decisions. Ryland is a brave kid, and while there's a little more God in this book than I would have preferred, the people here are adherents to a non-judgmental God who's got room for everyone, and that, at least, is hard to have problems with. I'm glad that this book exists and that it points the way for people who need it with information and compassion.

I loved this story. I was able to stop and think about how I have parented my three daughters. Thank you!

Two years ago I watched the viral video of Ryland Whittington without knowing what it was about. Before watching I did not know anything about being Transgender and to be honest I probably would not have been a supporter. This story touched me so deeply, Ryland is such a precious, beautiful boy. I love how much his family has supported him on being who he was meant to be and that the Mom especially has made it her life's mission to advocate for him and others like him. He knew he was meant to be a boy from a young age. I look forward to following his story. To me he is a hero!

This is one of the most beautiful stories of #unconditionallove I've ever read. It's inspiring, heart breaking, and heart awakening all at once. This is a story of compassion, courage, hope, and love...unconditional love. And love dear friends, has the ability to change everything and everyone. "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."-1 Corinthians 13:13

Incredibly courageous and truly inspiring. So proud of this strong mother for sharing her family's story and bringing awareness of what it's like to raise a transgender child.

For those who question is validity of transgender people, I highly recommend this book. Ryland knew from the moment he could communicate to his family that he was a boy in a girl's body. It took his parents, especially his father, a while to come around. But, when they understood, they became his greatest advocates. This family has shown us what it truly means to accept your child and to love them without questions. Ryland is a very lucky little boy. I know there are a lot of transgender children out there who do not have the same family support this boy has.

Poignant story of parents of a transgender child.

This true life story is told by Hillary Whittington. When her and her husband have their first daughter Ryland, they think that the biggest challenge they face will be that it appears that she has limited hearing. However as Ryland grows she starts declaring that she is a boy, and only wants to wear boy clothes and play with boy toys. While many dismiss this as a phase, both parents realize that there is a deeper pain underneath the tantrums over wearing dresses and princess dolls.Seeking medical and counselling advice, Hillary and Jeff decide to let Ryland transition into being raised as their son. Told in such an open and refreshing style, you have to admire the family for doing what they think is best for their child. By allowing him to be the person he thinks he truly is and by telling their story I am sure they have helped lots of others. Very brave to put you and your six year old out there where many bullies prowl.

The sweetest! Such a sweet and an amazing read. I adore reading about tales such as this where people accept their children, family members, friends or whoever when they develop their sexual orientation preferences. The story of Ryland and his incredible story of his transformation as well as how his family handles the everything really warms the heart and could unfreeze even the coldest hearts. This remarkable book is a book well worth reading. The strength, understanding and love that vibrates from these pages. If you have a chance to grab a copy of this book then do so. The love will warm your heart and there's even plenty of advice for parents who may feel like they're going through similar events. Definitely a good read, five stars, and wonderful to hold close to your heart.

Important true story told by the mother of a girl, Ryland, who is transgender. You hear about the struggles as the parents at first don't want to believe that R's "tomboyishness" is anything more than a phase. But as time goes on, they observe their child, and search for information to help them figure out how to deal with a situation they never expected to be in. A fascinating story. These parents are brave enough to tell their story in hopes of helping to make the world a better place for these kids. They hope that others will benefit from a better understanding of what it's like to have a transgender child, and what can be done to give that child a chance at a happy childhood.