But ideas of how girls and boys (and men and women) should be run deep. Although they may not mean to, parents and other adults do treat girls differently from boys — often to the long-term detriment of daughters. Girls are more likely to be praised for being good, while boys are commended for making an effort. Being a “good girl” today means sitting quietly at school, following instructions, completing tasks and getting good grades. Dads sing to daughters more than sons, and the language they use with their girls is more analytical and emotive, something researchers suspect contributes to girls’ higher achievement in school.

Source: New York Times November 24, 2017 10:41 UTC