Stages of Development> Period of Infancy - Sex Differences in Development

Boys and girls develop differently even before birth. Girls usually develop a bit faster, with more similarity among themselves, while boys show more differences.

Physical Differences

Uniformity in Development

If you compare 500 girls and 500 boys at age three:

• Girls: Almost all will have the same number of teeth.
• Boys: Some boys have fewer teeth, others have more (more variety).

Predictability in Growth

• Girls usually develop at a steady, regular rate—future growth (like bone development) can be predicted more easily.
• For boys, future growth cannot be predicted as accurately.

Emotional Development

• All babies react strongly to loud or sudden noises.
• As children grow, both heredity (genes) and environment (family, surroundings) shape how they develop.
• Early experiences and feedback affect physical and emotional growth.

A dentist checking three-year-old children will find girls almost always have the same number of teeth, but for boys, the tooth count is different for many.

• Girls usually develop faster and more uniformly than boys, even before birth.
• Girls have more body fat, less water, and less muscle compared to boys, who show more variety.
• At age three, most girls have the same number of teeth, while boys show differences.
• Girls’ growth is more predictable; boys’ growth is less uniform and harder to predict.
• Emotional and physical development is influenced by both heredity and environment.