Q. My 3-year-old son likes to dress up in my high heels, jewelry and so forth. Is this normal? How should I deal with it?

A. Yes, this is normal -- it's developmentally appropriate for young children of both genders to dress up in clothes designed for men or for women.

It's even more than appropriate: It's important.

When kids play "dress-up," they're processing their experiences and learning more about the world and the people around them.

Sometimes children dress up to imitate behaviors and roles they see among adults who are in their daily lives.

Your son is probably imitating you, a female relative, or a caregiver.

Dress-up often involves dramatic play, which expands imaginations and a child's sense of himself.

It can promote cognitive development and help kids "grow" their social, organization, and communication skills.

Children playing dress-up can also "try on" different social roles and increase their ability to understand how other people think, feel, and behave. These are all capabilities that are useful throughout life. In fact, don't you wish everyone had them?

Meanwhile, we hope you're offering your son opportunities to dress up in men's clothing as well as women's.

If there is no man in your household, perhaps you can borrow some old clothing and accessories (for example, a wallet or ties or shoes) from a male relative or friend.

The dress-up play can involve opportunities for your son to pretend to be a familiar male figure.

You might say, for instance, "OK, now you put these big shoes on and pretend you're Mr. [name] at the grocery store [or bank or wherever]."

And be sure to offer clothes and "props" that relate to professions, most of which aren't gender-specific these days -- a police officer, bus driver, doctor, teacher, or whatever might appeal to your son.

You don't have to buy things; get creative and make what you need. Check the library or the Internet or bookstore for ideas.

And please keep in mind that adults show themselves to be sensitive and knowledgeable when they respond respectfully to a child's dramatic play!