behavior scenarios

[cassidy]

preschool 
this behavior is most definitely age appropriate at that age they should be wanting to play both roles to explore and make connections.
the best way to explain this to the parent is to just tell them that every kid does it and its just part of kids learning about the world.
the children may act this way because they are curious or maybe saw a peer do it.
id suggest letting them do it, there is no harm in letting them play pretend it is good for them.  

[Ruth]

Preschool Scenario:
1. I believe the behavior and/or expectation are age appropriate.
2. Reassure them that research have been done showing that during this age dramatic play/pretending is part of their social development as well as offering to provide them with this information
3. Children at this age are naturally curious and may want to pretend that role to see what it is like, they also like to figure things out for themselves.
4. I would suggest that the child be given the opportunity to explore their curiosity after sitting down with the child and/or both the child and parent to ask the child why he chooses to dress up as a princess and explain that boys normally dress up as a prince. If the parent still insist on having their son not dress up as a princess, then do as the parent wishes.