It is common that toddlers are as interested in toys as we, adults, consider as “feminine” that games called “masculine”. It is therefore normal to see a boy who is interested in dolls or the kitchen or a girl who likes construction games or cars.
Before 4 years
Before 4 years old, toddlers explore all the possibilities of the game. They are still little awareness of the stereotypes associated with certain toys. There is little difference between boys and girls at this age. They will have as much fun with cars or blocks as with a kitchenette or a doll.
Since their curiosity is great, toddlers need to live different experiences. By offering various toys, the child can choose according to his preferences.
4 to 6 years
From the age of 4, children start to separate toys into “girls ‘toys” and “boys’ toys”. Often, they reproduce what they have observed and heard in the adults around them. They will also be more compliant with these stereotypes in their choice of toys. For example, a boy will have fun with a drill while a girl will rock her doll.
Growing up, the way to have fun can change. While some boys enjoy action games, some girls prefer quiet games. However, we must avoid over-generalization since temperament will greatly influence the preferences of toddlers.
After 6 years
At the time of entry to school , the difference in the choice of games is more marked between the two sexes: boys play more with “boys ‘games” and girls, with “girls’ games”. However, it is still possible to observe a boy with a group of girls making bracelets, for example, or to see a girl playing soccer with boys. Every child is unique.
The effect of games and toys on development
Since toys are a learning tool, limiting a child to a particular type of toy will have an influence on its development. For example, RPGs and dolls are more language-friendly, while block and building games stimulate spatial skills. For this reason, it is recommended to vary the types of toys to stimulate several aspects of the child’s development.
Of course, that does not mean to prevent a girl from playing with a kitchenette or a boy from practicing with a sword. Rather, it’s about making sure your child is exposed to several different types of toys that will allow him to develop the different aspects of his personality.
By letting your child choose his own toys, you allow him to be in touch with many ways to see the world. You will encourage him to discover his identity and his talents as well as to develop his imagination.
Indeed, thanks to toys, a child explores the world in which he will grow. Toys help the child understand the social rules of the world in which he lives. If parents limit girls to dolls and boys to cars, children may believe that they are limited in the possibilities available to them.
The way we act with the child according to gender
According to some experts, toy preferences depend on much more on social factors than on the sex of children.
- Children imitate the models they see around them. Since mothers have long been associated with housework and childcare, it is not surprising to see girls take on this role. However, as men become more involved in domestic chores, more boys should be seen to replicate their father’s actions.
- According to some studies, adults rely on the color of their pajamas to guess if a baby is a boy or a girl. The choice of birth gifts will also be influenced by the sex of the child.
- Studies suggest that adults spontaneously offer different toys to boys and girls. This behavior would then mark the unconscious of the child, who would develop an interest in the toys to which he was most exposed. In addition, research shows that girls who have been exposed to “boys’ toys” are more open to non-traditional occupations.
- According to a study conducted in 2004, the sexual differentiation of toys seems less important to parents than it was thirty years ago. However, this evolution was only one way. Girls have easy access to all categories of toys if they express desire, and even if they only play with “boys’ toys”. On the boys ‘side, research shows that mothers would react more negatively than fathers to seeing their sons play “girls’ games”. Previously, both parents reacted negatively.
- In stores in North America, however, there is a return of the separation between “girls ‘toys” and “boys’ toys” for twenty years.