Parents' Issues: Do You Treat Your Son and Daughter Differently?

Do you get upset if your boy picks up a doll? Do you cringe if your sweet little girl prefers Tonka™ trucks? Your sex role attitudes about children behaviors might be parents' issues. Now is a good time to look at the messages you want to send about “what little boys and little girls are made of.” The message you send about child social development can become education gender issues that affect the choices your children make as they grow.

Here Are Some Questions To Help You Sort Out Your Attitude.

• Do I hold back hugging my son just because he is a boy?
• Is my daughter's wardrobe overwhelmingly pink? my son's overwhelmingly blue?
• Do I expect less toughness and drive from a daughter than I would from a son?
• What kind of adult role should I prepare my child for?
• Do I expect my daughter to compete on the job?
• Do I expect my son to nurture his own children?

Source: Parenting the First Year, month 12. University of Wisconsin-Extension. NCR Publication 321.