It has long been debated among parents if it is easier to raise boys or girls. Several studies have been done on boys versus girls and each study has different results. In the end, it is really up to the parenting style and the actual child. Someone with 5 boys and 1 girl may think that one girl is harder to raise than all the boys, while someone with 2 girls and 1 boy may struggle more with the boy. The brain chemistry in both genders is different. Boys also have testosterone, which contributes to a large difference between the two genders. Many of the differences between boys versus girls are stereotypical. It has been placed on boys and girls by society, in particular, their parents. All embryos are actually considered a female embryo until about 6-7 weeks after conception, and then the testosterone bathes the "Y" chromosomes. The embryo changes in color and researchers have proven that the brain structure is actually made up differently.

Females are born with estrogen. Estrogen acts like a natural antidepressant and contributes to the caring, nurturing behavior of women. As they age many women experience a drop in estrogen, causing them to become depressive. When you are raising girls, they are learning how to control their emotions. One moment they may be laughing and the next moment they may be crying. Several parents feel that teenage daughters are harder to raise because of the constant up and down mood swings. No matter what gender you are trying to raise, they both have different hormones. These hormones will impact their daily decisions in life and will continue to impact them throughout their entire life.

Raising Boys
Though several parents think raising their "tom boy" daughter is similar to raising their son, it is different. A girl may enjoy climbing the trees with the boys, watching football, and competing in sports, but it is different from boys. Boys become obsessed or preoccupied by these activities. Their testosterone levels rise before they compete in athletic events. Once they find an activity they enjoy, it becomes their obsession and it may cause them to neglect other important things. Here are 4 things testosterone does to a boy:

1. It causes the need for quick and instant gratification. As elementary-aged boys, they will eat quickly and have a need to run and jump around. They will have a harder time "sitting still" and listening in a classroom.
2. It causes them to move into a quick problem-solving mode when dealing with any problem, even emotional ones.
3. It causes a need to participate in physical activities where they can release tension; this is why boys are commonly associated with sports.
4. It causes the brain to "turn on or off". Their thinking process is completely different from that a female, whose brain stays "on". They will "turn on" their brain to complete a task and then "turn off" again when they do other activities.

Girls are often known for being able to "multitask". They are able to engage in numerous things at the same time, whereas a boy needs to focus on each task individually.

When it comes to raising boys; both a mother and a father need to participate. Pediatricians have found that boys tend to cling to their mothers until age 7. Once they reach the age of 7, they start leaning toward spending more time with their father. Many cultures claim this is the age when a boy is ready to leave the safety of his mother's arms and spend time learning the real world from his father. If the boy does not have a father, he needs to spend time with other male influences, like a grandfather, teacher, uncle, or neighbor. This time frame is considered "a right of passage" in a boy's life and it is important for their development. Boys often strive for their father's approval during their elementary-school years and this will continue the rest of their life. Boys that are unable to get the approval of their father tend to suffer from anger and depression.

Boys also need groups to associate with. They need to have an immediate home life, an extended home life, and friends in the community to associate with. Research has found that gangs start when boys are lacking in one of their groups. If they have a broken home or do not associate with their relatives often, they start looking for groups to belong to. Often, these gangs can become violent, which is due to the testosterone levels in the boys. Structure and discipline is also important in a boy's life. Boys need to have set rules, so they know how far they can push you. In many cultures, parents feel that boys need a strong spiritual base, causing them to teach their sons about their religion and their duties at a young age. In the Islamic religion, boys are actually responsible for saying their five daily prayers and for memorizing the Qur'an by age 7.

Boys also need to work to release the testosterone. It is important for boys to understand the culture they live in and their responsibilities. Many cultures teach that boys need to grow to learn how to support and provide for their family. Boys often strive toward working hard at a young age and will support their parents if the parents need it. It is important to give your son a chore in the home and trust in their ability to complete it.

Parents also need to teach their son's how to play sports. Since many cultures engage in physical competition, it is important for boys to learn how to participate in the sports so they can feel accepted by other boys their age. Your son doesn't have to be the best basketball player on the playground, but it will be a big self-esteem boost for him if he is asked to participate and he is able to actually play.

Raising Girls
Girls are completely different than boys. By nature, they are more compassionate and nurturing to others. Girls are impacted by the culture they are raised in. Both boys and girls will struggle with depression and emotional issues; however girls often compare themselves to others more. The statistics on depression, anorexia, and bulimia are staggering and these numbers are climbing.

In order to raise a happy, confident daughter, parents need to encourage her self-esteem. It is important for parents to spend time listening to the things their daughter is saying. They need to give them physical and emotional affection each day, as this contributes to her attitude. Like boys, girls also need to have a strong home life. They need exposure to a mother and a father. If the girl does not have both sets of parents, you need to expose them to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other role models. Take time to spend with your daughter to show her that she is important to you. Girls have a strong need to be accepted by others. By showing her love and attention, you will let her know how important she is to you. Girls have a stronger need to be emotionally attached to their parents and to others. Do not abandon them when they need your comfort and attention. Talk to them about their problems, even if they seem simple to you.

In a society that is addicted to vanity, sexuality, and fashion, it is important to teach your daughter the importance of individual worth and education. In the past, it was taught that boys were to grow into men and provide for their families. Girls also have the ability to learn and work just as hard as men. Encourage your daughter to participate in school activities that they are good at, even if they aren't recognized as "cool". If your daughter does exceptionally well in math and science, talk about her college education and her future career someday. Show her that there is a world full of different opportunities and that she doesn't need to look like another Hollywood model in order to be successful in life.

Several parents have stated that raising girls requires more time and emotional effort because the girls are emotionally high-maintenance. Girls are more verbal than boys, causing them to talk back more to their parents. Scientists have found that the left side of the brain controls language and left side of the brain grows faster in girls than in boys. Developmental charts have shown that girls tend to speak earlier than boys and they can understand language faster than boys.

Both boys and girls exhibit aggression. Boys tend to be more physical with their aggression whereas girls take it in emotionally. They engage in harsh remarks, gossip, social exclusion, and verbal meanness. Many parents have found that dealing with broken bones with their sons is much easier than repairing the emotional damage to their daughter that was verbally bullied at school. Verbal remarks can quickly cut down their self-esteem and they may become depressed at a young age. Enroll your daughter in after school programs that promote self-worth. If your daughter likes ballet, enroll her in some classes. If she likes karate, go ahead and enroll her in that too. Give her options to explore her personality and find something that gives her the opportunity to make friends and become accepted by herself and others.