      */
     public function get parent():DisplayObjectContainer
     {
-        return _parent;
+        return _parent as DisplayObjectContainer;
     }
     
     /**

        invalidateSizeFlag = true;

        if (parent)
            Group(parent).invalidateGraphicElementSize(this);
    }

    /**

     *  @playerversion AIR 1.5
     *  @productversion Flex 4
     */
    public function parentChanged(value:IGraphicElementHost):void
    {
        _parent = value;
        invalidateLayoutDirection();
