Y oh Y

Anyone who thinks that the differences between boys and girls are taught rather than innate obviously has no boys. If you only have girls, you cannot fathom the extreme differences that come with a child sporting the y chromosome. Believe me, I have both and I am a true believer that gender differences are there at birth. My son eats everything, is loud, rambunctious and stubborn as anything. It does not matter one whit what kind of toys he has handy, he will throw it, beat it against something else or attempt to drive it around on the floor. His idea of affection involves full-body contact, rough hugs and full-on slobbery lip-locks. He delights in spitting things out, spitting in general and complete hands-on exploration of all the food groups- just before he throws it on the floor and stomps in it. He prefers male company over female, loud toys over quiet ones and outdoors over indoors every time. To him, grabbing something with both hands and seeing if it can be pulled apart is being gentle. Sharing his food with you means shoving a fist-full of it into the back of your throat and often excitement over something will overcome him and he just can't help, but hit it (much like an overly exuberant pat on the back). He is without a doubt one of the most charming, loving and sweet-natured children I have ever encountered, but you can't take him out in public much until he gets impulse and volume control.

On the other hand, my girls were quieter, could touch things gently with one finger and were a delight in public. Aside from a few squabbles and some hair pulling they were kind and gentle with each other and they tended to stay closer, not wander off as much and could be brought to tears with a stern word. My girls were not perfect, but they were much easier toddlers. Of course, I am told that girls are easier toddlers and harder teenagers while boys are just the opposite. I'm not there yet, so I can't really say, but Alex is in the dishwasher at the moment pulling out all the dirty dishes and running from my husband while my daughter is begging him to spit out her sidewalk chalk- so I'm hoping there's truth to it.