The Differences Between Boys and Girls

Are there really differences in schooling boys and girls?  You can bet your last penny on that one...

Whether you decide to follow the Charlotte Mason method or not, guaranteed you will discover what works for your daughter will not work for your son.  And vice versa.

Rather than being a stereotype, the mental differences between the sexes is rather marked, and evinced by their play.  Most boys will prefer the cars, trains and planes, much as most girls will prefer the dolls, horses and kittens.  That being said, this is not true of all girls and boys.

The Charlotte Mason method allows these differences to grow upon their own, and doesn't force them in any direction.  Indeed, it is our duty as the parent not to force our opinions (such as on bugs or snakes) on the children.  Trust me, this is not particularly easy!

However, we should also remember that we are raising ADULTS and not children.  Although our offspring are, for now, babies, toddlers and school-aged, one day they will all be adults.  With this in mind, we endeavour to make opportunity to grow the traits in them that we would like to see in them as an adult.

And now you realise what the big difference in bringing up boys and girls are. When you raise a FATHER you do things differently from when you raise a MOTHER. There are many qualities you try to instill in both children, but the Head of the Household mentality is of course reserved for your sons.
It sounds incredibly sexist. Maybe it is. I just believe that, in this world, we would do best to remember that our children are merely 'adults in formation' and not children who can just 'get away with it'.

All children should be able to perform the household chores, indeed, you should make it part of your daily routine when they are very young.  However, there are some tasks that you may wish to teach only your daughter, or only your son. There are some tasks that should be taught to both, never mind the traditional roles. It is a fact of life that boys will one day have to function alone, and knowing how to launder and cook is something very worthwhile! Similarly, a girl should also be taught how to change a tire and take care of a car, for her own safety (and Dad's peace of mind) if nothing else!

I am not going to tell you what you should teach them.  I believe that it is your decision what you teach, I can only make you aware of the necessity of teaching them, and of the fact that however tomboyish your daughter, she will never be the same as a boy. And that's a good thing!

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