Miss Independent: Toddler Girls Have an Edge on Boys
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By: Katie Harrison
You may have noticed that your toddler niece seems to be more independent than toddler-age boys. Turns out she is. A new study suggests that two-and-a-half year old girls are actually more independent and social than two and a half year old boys. The study shows just how more independent young girls are when it comes to everyday activities such as feeding themselves, getting dressed, and participating in school.
The study was performed at the Stavanger Project at the Norwegian Centre for Reading Education and Research, the University of Stavanger and included over 1000 children from the ages of two-and-a-half to three years old, the researchers took a closer look at how certain everyday activities are handled by both boys and girls. According to the study, two-and-a-half year old girls are more sociable during their time at school, and are able to feed and dress themselves more independently than boys. The study also shows that girls at that young age have better language skills than the boys do.
The biggest difference the researchers found was in the ability to use the bathroom and not need to use diapers. While 21.3 percent of the girls were able to explain when they needed to use the bathroom, and only 7.5 percent of the boys did the same. Aud Toril Meland, co-author of the study with Elsa Kaltvedt and Elin Reikerås, said: “We expected to find differences, but were surprised that they were so great.”
Since the research shows so many differences, the researchers believe this is important for all kindergarten staff members to be aware of. It’s not just the kindergarten staff that needs to be aware of these differences, though. Aunts, parents of course, and all adult family members should to be aware. Elin Reikerås says, “Previous studies have shown that the behavior and habits of girls often correspond with school and kindergarten teachers’ preferred ideals. Adults’ behavior and interaction with children can reflect their own attitudes to gender, thus giving different signals and expectations to boys and girls. Adults’ attitudes, expectations and participation thus affect children differently, even in the early kindergarten years.”
Photo: tan4ikk
Published: August 25, 2015