This may seem to be stating the obvious, but it is necessary to underline the fact that early sexual development is experienced quite differently by males and females. Many parents reading this will have both daughters and sons. Yet, surprisingly, and all too frequently, families fail to appreciate that the needs of girls and boys are not going to be the same. The difference of gender has important implications, and requires different approaches.
Sensitivity on the part of parents and carers to the characteristics of female and male development at this age is crucial. Let me outline some of these characteristics:
- The physical changes associated with puberty may have more of an impact on girls than on boys. Certainly, boys do not have to adjust to any experience equivalent to menstruation.
- Girls express greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than boys do during early adolescence. Feelings of dissatisfaction for girls centre particularly on breast size, weight and facial characteristics.
- Girls feel that they are the target of more media pressure than boys, in relation to what constitutes ideal weight, height and shape. There is more stereotyping of female beauty, and girls are under more pressure than boys to diet and to conform to what is considered to be 'the perfect woman'.
-Girls' and boys' friendships are different. Boys' friendships are centred on shared activities, while girls are more likely to have close relationships in which feelings can be discussed.
- Girls get more support from their friends in this way. This is especially important, since boys have less opportunity to express emotion. They may therefore be more vulnerable when things go wrong.
- Boys are more likely to be affected by a lack of appropriate role models.
The fact that so much parenting is done by women does put boys at a disadvantage. Where there is an absence of a close relationship with an adult male, the boy's developing sexuality may suffer.
- Parents are more likely to be worried about the personal safety of girls than of boys. This can result in girls experiencing greater restrictions on their freedom, which may be a cause of conflict in some families.
- Finally, the distribution of power in sexual relationships is still unequal. This means that in many situations it remains difficult for girls to take control of events. This has particular relevance to the use of contraceptives, and to decisions and choices about how far to go in sexual activity.
| Yusuf has been writing articles for 2 years. Come visit his latest website over at Round Eyeglass Frames which discusses Popular Eyeglass Frames Brands. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yusuf_Ziya_Gulec |
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