Hi Claire I have been reading your website for a while and find it very informative. Thank you for this. My son is 3 and a half and goes to a very good crèche. He is a very happy child and has always been a pleasure. He is a very intelligent boy and loves books and puzzles and prefers to rather read his books and play inside than go outside and play on the jungle gym. He also loves fantasy play and  almost every evening  I am a princess and he the prince who rescues me  from the dragon. He is an only child and my husband is away a lot on business, so his bond with me is stronger than with his father. Although I noticed that as he gets older he is starting to miss his father more when he is away At school he prefers to play with the girls and actually avoids the boys.  I have never told him that he cannot do something or have something, because it is for girls. If I put on lipstick I would let him too. He also loves books about fairies and princesses. Should I be telling him that something is for boys and maybe make an effort to get some of the boys to come and play at our house. Or do you think I shouldn't worry too much?

Thank you for your email and kind words about my site. Your son is fortunate to be growing up in a home where stereotyping has been minimised. Children should feel free to be who they are without feeling like they are going against gender-role expectations. Your son is still forming his gender identity and he will soon experience stereotyping in the media, at school and in his community, so allowing him to be who he is will enhance his development. It is wonderful he has a close bond with you but he also needs to spend time with his dad and hopefully develop the same closeness with his dad. Chat to your husband and devise a plan whereby you can spend more time together as a family. Perhaps you and your son could accompany your husband on some of his trips. Continue with the wonderful nurturing you are giving him. Best wishes