Self-Concept

Boys Will Be Boys, Girls Will Be Girls: Your Child Is Aware of the Differences between Boys and Girls

Your child has known for a while if he is a boy or a girl, but he is now becoming more aware of it in others, as well as what physically distinguishes males and females. He may be curious about his distinguishing body parts, or those in others, which is perfectly natural at this age. He is also learning about gender roles, which are behaviors commonly associated with each sex (regardless of how stereotypical they may be!). He may identify strongly with his own gender, and you may hear him say things like "I want to wear the girl-colored shirt" or "Boys drive trucks." Again, this is partly what he has observed and partly what he has heard others say. You can let him know that girls can also drive trucks and wear the color blue!

Has your child achieved the following Self-Concept developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all of the skill(s) he has already mastered to date.