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Expert Q&A
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| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
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Is it normal for a 4-year-old boy to occasionally dress up in his sister's clothes, then be ashamed when he's caught?
Yes, it is quite normal. Just think how visually and texturally appealing girls' clothing is! The reason he acts ashamed is that he is being "caught" -- doing something that already society and his family is telling him is wrong or shameful. If a 4-year-old girl dresses up in her dad or older brother's clothes, most times people think that is cute and acceptable. But a boy doing the same with the opposite gender's clothes can lead to teasing and put-downs. My advice is to let him know that that's an OK thing to do in your home. I would try not to make too much of it one way or the other. There doesn't seem to be any data linking this early exploration to adult cross-dressing or homosexuality (if those are your fears).
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