You only need to watch a group of preschool children to see that boys typically only play with other boys and girls typically only play with other girls.
Of course, there are some children who don’t conform to these sex stereotypes, such as the girl who wants to play football with the boys and the boy who prefers to play skipping with the girls. Your daughter will come to no harm by playing with boys, and it’s in fact far better that she learns how to get on with peers of both genders.
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Here’s why the gender split exists in play, even at a young age.
Text: Dr Richard C. Woolfson, Young Parents
Boys often prefer rough-and-tumble games, while girls are less involved in these. Also, boys enjoy outdoor play, but girls generally like more sedate activities.
Physical aggression is common between boys when they disagree, but girls are more likely to use words.
Girls typically achieve independence earlier. For instance, they are quicker at learning to dress themselves. This applies in their play patterns as well.
Boys tend to be more adventurous when playing. However, there is evidence that parents accept this from only boys, and encourage such differences.
Girls can cooperate. They are often able to play together in games, while boys are more likely to fight. All this means they are likely to clash when playing together.
ENCOURAGING UNISEX PLAY
Have a broad-minded attitude when it comes to play for boys and girls. Be prepared to give as much encouragement to your daughter when she shows signs of being adventurous, and remember there is no point in keeping soft toys away from your son.
Try to persuade your child to play with children of the opposite gender, but don’t make it a source of confrontation if she refuses. The chances are, however, that your approval of opposite-gender play will eventually have an effect.
When this happens, organise activities that provide a middle ground for gender-specific preferences. A game likely to have unisex appeal is one that is neither too risky nor too sedate, and involves some cooperation but not too much. However, be ready to sort out disagreements. Because they are used to the habits of children of the same gender, arguments might occur often. Resolve them swiftly.
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