- Do boys and girls play differently?
- Is there a gender divide in how our children play?
- Are there really 'boys toys' and 'girls toys'?
Gender researchers suggest that boys and girls do in fact play
quite differently and show clear preferences for different toys
from an early age. Boys are seen to be more active in their play
while girls' play is more sedentary and focused on verbal
interactions.
Furthermore, boys' play is characterised by higher levels of
competition and aggression, while girls play is seen to foster
creativity and nurturance. Boys show preference for outdoor play
activities, and enjoy playing with large toy vehicles, construction
sets and climbing equipment; girls prefer puzzles, art materials or
playing with dolls.
Children favour same-gender play partners, this usually starts to
emerge sometime after their second birthday and intensifies during
the preschool and early school years. Which brings us to the
question … do we as parents direct children toward activities and
toys that further enhance differences in play and
interaction?
Boys and girls are treated differently from birth. We decorate
their rooms differently, dress them differently, engage in
different play styles (we typically engage in more rough-and-tumble
play when interacting with boys) and buy different toys. Research
shows both parents and non-parents tend to purchase
gender-stereotyped toys for children, especially boys. Girls have
more dolls, dolls houses, musical items and miniature domestic
items (e.g. irons, microwaves, kettle). While boys do have dolls in
the form of action figures, we are more likely to purchase them
sports equipment, toy animals, miniature garages, forts or more
spatial-temporal toys (e.g., shape sorters, puzzles).
Art and craft materials and activities are generally seen as
neutral and purchased for either sex.
So what impact do these different toys and play experiences have on
your child's growth and development?
It is through play that children learn about their world and
acquire key social, intellectual, language and motor skills.
Constructive play (e.g., building with blocks), for example, is
important for developing spatial awareness and number concepts.
Social and imaginative play, may lead to more nurturing behaviour
and a greater awareness of others.
As parents it is important that we expose our children to the full
range of play experiences. Engage your child in both traditionally
'masculine' and 'feminine' play, while taking into account their
interests and preferences. As I finish typing this column I look
over to my son, standing with his toy iron, ironing his big sisters
school uniform, wearing mummy's high-heel shoes.
Written by Dr Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett and provided to us by
KiDS Central and the Early Learning Centre.
