I've had this discussion a number of times before-young boys participating in "girl" activities and young girls participating in "boy" activities. This is normal! But what I found to be interesting about this week was the fear that so many parents have about their children turning out to be gay or have gender atypical tendencies. They think that if their little boy plays with dolls or has tea parties that they will be "too feminine" or that it will lead to them being attracted to the same gender. The reality of the matter, though, is that there is nothing wrong with children enjoying activities that aren't typical of children of the same gender. In fact, it may even be considered healthy. Children are only trying out new things, only imitating something that they have seen a peer or an adult do. They don't know that this is "wrong", it's just what they see others doing. And from what I have seen, children normally grow out of it.
I have a 6 year old nephew that LOVED to wear my high heels when he was younger. My sister lived with us for about two years when her children were very young and I remember my little nephew coming out of my room with red heels, a hat, and a scarf from my closet. I was only 15 or 16 years old at the time and I even remember being worried that he liked my shoes. I was terrified that he was going to like these things for the rest of his life. I couldn't be more wrong!! Looking at him now, he is 100% BOY! This just further proves to me that there is nothing wrong with boys playing with "girl toys" or girls playing with "boy toys". It gives them a chance to play and explore-a chance to figure out their likes and dislikes. So if your like boy likes to play with Barbies or your little girl likes to play with monster trucks, DON'T WORRY. Everything with turn out how it is supposed to. :)
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