Raising boys or girls?

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Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#1
What do you think is easier, raising boys or raising girls? Just wondering. Please share your experiences.
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,693
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#2
Good question. I think it varies, depending on the particular child and circumstance.

Having raised only daughters, I have no comparison, except now i have a male grandson. I can def see that in some cases he is easier, but in others not so much.
 
Aug 3, 2019
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#3
I do think it depends on the personality and temperament of the child, and their placement in birth order can also have some influence. That being said, I raised a boy (1st born), and 2 girls (the youngest being adopted). My son was the picture perfect child. Always well behaved, well mannered, content, protective of his mother and sisters, obedient, helpful, good student, hardworking, goes with the flow, kind, loving, generous, caring. This is common with 1st borns, eager to please. My 2nd is also typical of her birth order. Daring, challenging, often a handfull, somewhat self centered or self aware, risk taker, outspoken, can be hot tempered (gets this from her dad), hates to lose, independent. My 3rd was always so private it was hard to figure her out or know what was going on in her head. She was fun loving, loved jokes, brought together and united a unique group of friends of 3 races, excellent student, but hated to work, independent. In my case, the boy was by far the easiest....but was it because he was first born? Was it because he was the only boy and felt he needed to be gentle for the girls? He was quick to start walking and to potty train, but slow to talk and read. The girls were MUCH harder, the older one was quick to argue with parents and rules, always trying something, or into something, sneaking out, taking chances, etc. She was very early at talking, very late to walk and potty train, struggled with school. The youngest was so private, when we learned something about her it was always a surprise. Despite her fun side, and love of jokes and laughter, she struggled quietly with depression. She was average in developement be very smart and talented. Hard to say how/why each was so different, except that God creates each one of us to be unique.

On the other hand, my late husband was the oldest of 3 boys. Through childhood and well into adulthood, they were all a challenge, fighting constantly (I'm talking punches and more), disobedient, sneaky, risk taking, rowdy, girl chasers, lieing, stealing, etc. I swear....there's NO way I could have raised those three boys. I think I would have run away and changed my identity.
 

Hazelelponi

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2019
609
397
63
USA
#4
I think it depends on the age. I had one of each, and my son was so difficult when he was little until the time he hit puberty. Then he calmed down and was really an angel through his teenage years.

My daughter was the exact opposite. She was angelic through early childhood, really a dream to raise, then she hit puberty and became so so so headstrong and difficult.

So, it depends on the child and the age. At least for me I only had one difficult child to deal with at a time! hahaha
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#5
Thanks for sharing.
My mum was the eldest of eight...and whenever I do something she doesnt like she would say you just like your dad. So maybe its just the random combination of genes and traits. Rather than gender. Speaking to some workmates who have just girls, and they are dads, I think drives them nuts too. They might think its easier to have boys and then they are not the odd one out in their family.

I dont know, was reading a book about raising boys by James dobson, who seemed to suggest all boys need a dad and that mums should back off and let them go to their dad. He didnt really give much practical advice on raising them though. And also he kind of implied if boys are raised mainly by mums they become too effeminate. I wonder if the reverse is true for girls, if they stick too close to their dad does that make them tomboys or something.
 
Aug 20, 2019
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#6
I was a single mom with one of each back to back, the boy was much easier to raise, I'm pretty sure my daughter is part goat. Time has passed and now I have 5 grandkids so far the girls- all of them entering the teen yrs are a joy compared to the 2 grandsons, in my opinion it just depends on the parent's parenting style and the presence of God in their lives.
 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#7
Mary whining:
Mommy, Sally took my doll!
Mommy, Sally took my doll!
Mommy, Sally took my doll! . . .
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#8
He started it!

Pointing fingers.

No she started it!

Just like adam and eve.

Me ...cut it out. You both giving me a headache.