I have a very unique opportunity to raise a boy and a girl at the same time, so I often wonder how much my beliefs of how girls should act versus boys impact how their personalities will develop. I try to treat them the same, but I find that Gabrielle is a lot clingier than Grant. Is she clingy because I treat her more gently because she is smaller and female? Is Grant more outgoing and active because I encourage him to be more independent? This is all food for thought.
An interesting thing happened recently that supports that gender differences are innate and biological. GnG recently participated in a research study looking at their ability to imitate behavior seen in a video. The video demonstrated how to put a rattle together and shake it. Grant didn't quite get it right, but he came very close. Gabrielle put it together perfectly and even shook it afterwards. The researchers said they weren't surprised, because the girls in their age group usually get it right. Who knew?!
So, gender differences are both innate and learned, I just need to make sure I do my best to provide them with a wide range of experiences so they can be well rounded children, at least that is my hope.
P.S. Photos courtesy of Aunty Colleen and her new camera.
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