A woman, identified as Jill, sought advice on how to handle her 13-year-old stepdaughter’s self-identification as a fox, a phenomenon known as being a ‘therian,’ on the mental health podcast The Dr. John Delony Show.
Jill expressed her shock and uncertainty regarding her stepdaughter’s behavior, describing how the teen wears a fox mask and tail and even runs a YouTube channel where she mimics fox-like behaviors. Compounding Jill’s concerns, she noted that the girl’s biological mother seemingly supports this behavior at her house.
Dr. John Delony, addressing the issue, admitted to feeling as though he was in the Twilight Zone due to the surreal nature of the situation.
Jill, visibly frustrated, sought guidance on how to navigate her stepdaughter’s self-identification, which she found bewildering. Additionally, Jill revealed that her nine-year-old daughter has also adopted the therian identity, identifying as a giraffe, seemingly influenced by her stepsister.
Amidst these revelations, Jill raised concerns about her stepdaughter’s online presence, including a YouTube channel, and questioned the boundaries she should enforce regarding internet and social media usage within her home.
Dr. John advised Jill to establish clear boundaries regarding technology use and emphasized the importance of providing a stable and supportive environment for her stepdaughter, even amid the challenges presented by the situation.
Addressing the broader cultural context, Dr. John highlighted the need for a balance between nurturing imagination and creativity while maintaining a connection to reality and societal norms.
Jill’s dilemma reflects a larger trend of young people openly identifying as animals, with examples such as Naia Ōkami, who identifies as a wolf, gaining attention in recent years.
As Jill grapples with her role as a stepparent and the complexities of modern parenting, Dr. John offers support and guidance, emphasizing the importance of providing stability and support during turbulent times.
