News
Book challenges perceived gender differences in infant brain structure
1 Jul 2010
Lise Eliot’s book, Pink Bain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences Grow into Troublesome Gaps – and What We Can Do About It, challenges the stereotypes and the perceived inherent differences between the brains of boys and girls. In an article in The Times Magazine, Eliot argues that while we will treat babies differently from birth depending on their sex, there is little to no evidence to support the view that infant boys and infant girls are born with different brain structures. Eliot believes that parents and carers can bring out “untraditional strengths” in either sex by being conscious of how they treat children from the very earliest days of their life. The “plastic” nature of the human brain in the early years means that even subtle differences in the way people nurture children can make a difference.
With this in mind Eliot gives some interesting tips for breaking stereotypes associated with either sex. She advocates talking to baby boys because, as we already know, this is the only “trick” scientifically proven to produce smarter children. Eliot advocates using “every interaction as a chance to communicate” and introducing rhyme, alliteration and narration into your communications and singing songs. Baby DVDs are discouraged. Listening to your baby is highlighted as a way to promote verbal development. And she says that reading a story to your baby should be a staple of your daily routine, no matter what sex your child is. Eliot recommends limiting the amount of time babies spend in car seats, high chairs and pushchairs as they can lead to social isolation and reduced communication time.
For girls, Eliot warns that complacent babies need just as much attention as fussy ones: make sure you give your baby girl the stimulation and interaction she needs to develop her motor and cognitive skills. Eliot advocates close physical contact for both sexes: keep your baby on you. Girls should be allowed to take risks and engage in physical play: keep an open mind to allow your children to engage in those activities they choose.
Lise Eliot’s book, Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Differences Grow into Troublesome Gaps – and What We Can Do About It, is published by Oneworld.
