GENDER BENDING GOOD FOR SOME KIDS

GENDER BENDING GOOD FOR SOME KIDS

NORWALK, Conn. (Wireless Flash) -- Is Big Bird a hen or a cock? Well, you might be curious but your kids don't give a hoot. That's according to child psychologist Lawrence E. Shapiro who says parents shouldn't worry about whether gender neutral characters like Big Bird or Tinky-Winky will affect their kid's sexuality. Shapiro says playing with Pikachu also won't make junior gay or bisexual because gender neutral toys aren't confusing to kids age four and under, which is when sexual identity is formed. In fact, he says androgenous toys can even be a boon for some children, and boys uncomfortable playing with Barbie dolls might not have the same problem with a gender-neutral Tickle Me Elmo. Shapiro is the author of the new book "An Ounce of Prevention" (Harper Collins).