Page 186 - The Intentional Parent

Not at all. At three years old the lines that establish gender orientation and gender specific interests are not very clearly drawn. Boys sometimes don't express an interest in "boy things" until they are five years old. If you are wondering whether an interest in girls' clothing or girls' toys at his age is an indication that he might be showing homosexual tendencies, this is not necessarily so. And it is not true that a boy can become a homosexual by being around girls' toys or clothes.
Scientists, doctors, and researchers have mixed opinions as to whether homosexuality is a learned behavior or is strongly genetically influenced. In any case, the presence or absence of homosexuality does not imply anything about an individual's societal adjustment or mental health. It is unfortunate that we live in a society that causes us to worry if boys appear to be taking an interest in things that are pretty or feminine. It would be best if all of us learned how to cultivate or at least appreciate the traits of interest of both genders.
EXTREME INTEREST IN GENITALS
My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter enjoys touching her vagina very much. She is so interested in this part of her body that she sometimes irritates her skin by rubbing or exploring herself. Should I be concerned about this behavior?
Many children of both sexes discover their genitals between the ages of two and four. They will usually go through a period of about a month or two when they are very preoccupied with themselves. Much like with any new toy, they lose interest after a while and turn their attention to other things. Your only concern, particularly with girls, is that they do not irritate or create a
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 186