This episode is the fifth in a series designed to help parents, family members, educators, and community members better understand gender differences so we can more effectively support the children, youth, and families in our lives. The first editorial examined how boys and girls see the world, the second explored how they hear, the third focused on how they smell, and the fourth looked at what research reveals about how they engage with toys through touch. This fifth episodes turns to another essential domain—communication.

Gender differences continue to fascinate scientists across disciplines, and for good reason. Some researchers argue that sex differences in childhood may have an even greater impactthan those that emerge later in life. As children grow, many distinctions between boys and girls begin to blend. Yet other studies suggest the picture is far more complex than a simple convergence over time.

This episode of Unleashing Sister Saints is the fourth in a series designed to help you (whether a parent, family member, educator, ward, or community member) better understand gender differences so we can more effectively support the children, youth, and families in our lives The first episode examined how boys and girls differ in the way they see, the second explored how they hear, and the third focused on how they smell. This fourth installment turns to another essential sense—touch—and looks specifically at what research reveals about how boys and girls engage with toys. One more to go! Listen in.

I’m doing a series of short episodes on understanding gender – particularly some of the differences between boys, girls, men, and women. I find it so interesting to learn more about how our Heavenly Parents have created our bodies – I think there are specific reasons for these differences, but we don’t really writes or talk about differences other than what the Proclamation to the Family states – and then our assumptions that women are made for more nurturing and men for supporting families. But this goes deeper.

My first episode examined how boys and girls differ in the way they see the world, and the second explored gender differences in how girls, boys, women, and men hear. This third episode turns to another essential sense—how they experience smell differently. I have a whole course on these things here: Curriculum | Utah Women & Leadership Project | USU