A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology that was conducted by Paola Escudero of the University of Western Sydney in collaboration with the University of California used eye-tracking technology on children aged 3½ months to five months to determine their preferred object or toy, and came to the conclusion that the preference many boys have for ”masculine” toys such as cars only develops later in life. Dr. Escudero believes there are several reasons for gender differences developing later in life including societal influences, cognitive development, and hormonal changes. Most childcare professionals like Aria Adams-Wilcox, of Belrose Children’s Centre in Warringah, agree that gendered choices are definitely learnt and that most young boys enjoy playing with dolls until they develop a greater sense of gender awareness and start to understand the differences in the roles as they are told or shown in social settings. Anna Tydd, a mother of two boys, says she encourages a balanced way of playing and would never discourage her boys’ preferences. But she also believes it definitely depends on the parents. To read the full article, click here…