Moms Talk: Gender-Specific Toys

Studies have shown that when it comes to stereotypical gender preferences take root at an early age in children. But many still wonder is it due to boys and girls having an innate preference for certain types of toys? Or do parents and U.S. culture have an overall impact in children's choice of toys early in their lives?

A recent New York Times article mentions the issue of how "nurture becomes nature" — where the environment children play in can influence them later on in life. Providing them with sterotypically gendered play patterns (playing with other children of the same sex and with toys marketed toward their gender) can have negative impacts on them in the long haul. However, encouraging cross-sex friendships and varying play styles may be more beneficial.

We asked our Moms Council to weigh in.

Stacy Blom: I have girls ages 14 and 18

Christie Arais: I have a 5-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl.

Patch: When it comes to buying your kids toys, do you stick to gender-specific ones, gender-neutral or toys for the opposite gender?

Stacy: Of course, when they were little, they were bought dolls and girl stuff but as they grew older, we quickly learned what their preference was and it was no use encouraging a gender-specific toy. As they got older, we would purchase what they asked for, whether it be gender specific or not!

Christie: I don't really censor my kids when they are looking at our choosing toys. They typically choose toys that are for their gender. They don't always pick age-appropriate toys, though. When I am shopping for things for them, I usually am purchasing gender-specific items. However, there are some things that they both like to do, like the LeapFrog LeapPad and art supplies.

Patch: Do you find that you encourage or influence your kids to play with more gender-specific toys? Why or why not?

Stacy: It was no use encouraging their choice of toys because if they didn't want it, it wouldn't get used. They are each their own individual and have their own imaginations and likes and dislikes.

Christie: Well, when my 5-year-old son is playing dolls with his sister, I have the urge him to go play with his own things. In general, unless his sister is getting upset about him playing with something, I just let it go.

I read somewhere a long time ago that it actually helps kids develop different emotions when they play with toys made for the opposite gender. 

Patch: What kind of toys do your kids prefer to play with?

Stacy: My oldest was into dolls (Barbies, American Girl, etc.) and girlie stuff while my youngest grew up playing with dinosaurs and toy animals. We'd have Barbie and her friends all set up in one area and the dinosaurs and animals would be in another. Sometimes they would all get along and play nicely together.

Christie: My son's favorite toys are cars. He also has a lot of art and drawing supplies and of course his LeapFrog LeapPad which he plays with a lot. My daughter's favorite things are certainly girl-specific. She loves her pretend make-up, purses and dolls. She also really likes dress up and her Leapster Explorer. When my kids play together, they are usually playing pretend. They like to play store with the cash register or library with books.