Are Boys Really Easier than Girls?

I have a teenage son and I would say that boys are easier from the stand point of not having to style his hair everyday. His wardrobe is easier. Boys can go potty (number one) almost any where, girls cannot. Boys make noises/sounds when they play. Girls talk more. But other than those type of things, I have observed that if they are emotionally healthy, it is all the same. They are equally as much fun. They can be equally challenging. I have enjoyed raising him.

I'm interested to hear this as well - 1st pregnancy - find out in two weeks if boy or girl - wondering which one is "easier to handle" - although I'm betting most will say they are equally a handful!

I have 2 little boys (19 mos & 7 mos), had my first at age 34, and my second at age 35. Everyone had told me that boys are harder early on. Because of their testosterone levels (according to Dr. Dobson's book "Bringing Up Boys"), which influence them to constantly live for the now, they usually take more chances without thinking about consequences. Girls are harder as teenagers, when hormones run rampant and everything becomes a crisis. Boys are more stable emotionally and require much less by then. (So I've read.)

Poppycock! Children are so unique that discussion of their gender as a facet of the "easiness" (or lack thereof) in parenting them is disingenuous and potentially, when taken with the cumulative effects of sexism in our culture, harmful.

I personally believe some people already believe in certain differences so they find evidence that "proves" these differences. I see this all the time when people go to pains to point out masculine or feminine traits in my children (boy and girl), while ignoring the converse traits that would prove their theories incomplete. People see what they want to see.

Of course there are differences between male and female. But more interesting, more exciting, and more relevant are the personality aspects of an individual child. Getting to know who your child *really* is, is one of life's great adventures!

Congratulations!

Just remember this:
Boys are at least cheaper... No prom dresses, no make-up, tampons, chastity belts, glitter, bratz, etc. etc. ect.

And one thing that I like to live by (I have a boy)...
G.I. Joes are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Cheaper than barbies!!!!
Jeans and t-shirt, dollar store army guys, and mud.... all things that are cost effective in raising a boy.
Good Luck!

R.
One Woman Spa
###-###-####

HI M.,
I think it truly depends on the child and their disposition. Every one has a unique spirit about them. Parenthood is such a blessing and a challange all at the same time. Best of luck. they grow fast. So rock them all you want. I love rocking my son to sleep for his naps and he is 18 months, but it is such a special time.
B.

I think boys are easier when they're older, girls are easier when they're younger...so either way you'll have a hard time. HAHAHA - from what I've seen with friends, your first is usually your easiest kid, no matter the sex. My son is incredibly easy to take care of and raise, while I know a friend who had a girl and her girl was a right pain in the bum to raise...but my cousin's little girl is the easiest and most relaxed kid I've ever seen. I really think it depends on the child's personality more than anything...

M., are boys easier than girls? No, just different. I am the mother of twins, a boy and a girl, now at age 27, they have kids of their own. We did survive. At times I wonder how 2 peas out of the same pod can be so different, and am still seeking the answer. Rambunctious? yes! more adventurous, yes!.8 stitches in the back of the head and a trip to the emergency room, yes. Girls a little more cautious. 3 stitches from a fall down the steps and a trip to the local clinic. Every night at 8 o"clock no matter where she was, she would fall alseep, under the coffee table, half on and half off the sofa, out like a light. He on the other hand, I would have to fight to the death, and a battle of wills, to get to go to bed. These are some of my fondest memories, and the list goes on. Easier? No, just different. Just take one day at a time, cherish each one, and Good Luck. Alice.

I've had 2 of each & I guess it depends upon which stage they are in. My girls were much easier, as far as weaning & potty training went & until they were about 5-6, then they got into "girl bullying" - you can't come to my party syndrome, but as teens were easier again - yes, I survived. From 5-10 I'd say the boys were easier - spent time being boys, eating bugs, exploring, playing with army guys, but struggled when they got to middle school until graduation

i have a 4yr little girl 2yr little girl and 3month little boy. i think that they all have there moments. they are just difficult in some different ways. my family is very close and we have 13 great-grandchildren from 7yrs to 3months 4 boys and 9 girls. so i have seen all the ins and outs of both. just relax and take it day by day.

YES Boys are easier. True they can be pretty wild and as one older mom to another you will surely feel your age with them. But they do not mentaly exhaust you like girls do. I think that's why people say they are easier. They could care less about their clothes (both good and bad) They are honest with you (to a fault) as a mother to a boy,, you have the joy of being their first love. A very strong bond can form between a son and a mother. I have 3 boys and 3 girls.. I am very close to all, but in all I will say my boys where easy. My girls wore me out both mentally and budget wise as well.. good luck with you first little angle. T. D

In my limited experience (1 child) my daughter is the absolute BEST! I didn't know the sex of our child and was hoping for a little boy - however, I am thrilled that we had a girl. She has been a dream from the beginning. I don't think it matters about being a boy or a girl but about the ability to feel compassion and empathy for others. My little girl does both and it has made me proud. She has 3 boy cousins and 3 girl cousins and they are a mixed batch of personalities. 1 girl is sweet as can be and makes all those around her smile. 1 boy is gentle and kind and my daughter loves to be around him. The other 2 girls and 2 boys are very out going and can be little rough to be around, the girls are a little snooty but the boys will karate chop you til you're black and blue and like to scare.

Maybe boys are easier when older, but my neighbors boy (17 years) is the worst and I think it comes straight from his dad (another boy - hehehehe). What I am trying to say here is, don't pigeon hole your little one with sterotypes. Boy or girl, your child could be the best little critter on the planet, instilled with good character traits, compassion, and empathy.

Positively,
M.

A little about me: Married 15 years, one daughter almost 5 years old (had her at 33 years old via IVF)

Depends on the child and what you think is "easy". Boys are usually more active, louder, and tend to fight and then get over it- girls on the other hand can be tempermental, during play times hold grudges and are use words to hurt their peers, when they are upset (you can't come to my party!). BUT there are exceptions to every rule, and it depends on what you're used to- my ds seems to obey more easily than my dd, but he's a first born and older, so that has something to do with it- They both can be stubbern, but dd will continue to look for ways to get her way, even after being put in time out where as ds will usually be ready to cooperate. When I was teaching Pre-K it was easier to manage a group of more boys that girls- for me personally. But I grew up a tomboy so was more comfortable with the energy, than the girly tempermental attitudes!

I am not sure this can really be answered by other people. It all depends on your child and your personality. I am a Dean of Girls and I can tell you that the problems girls have take longer to solve because they are emotionally based. I have a four year old boy and my energy is more suited for emotionally based things (girls) than to be running around all the time, playing in the mud, etc. Since every child is different there really isn't a solid way to answer this question.

Here is what I know to be true... God knows what I can handle and although I work with 53 girls every day at work he gave me a baby boy to live my life with and I would never change a thing!

Good luck with your new adventure!

Im 38 years old with 2 girls & 2 boys....beleive me there is no difference. Ive heard the same thing about boys being easier to raise...well there not. My youngest is 4 years old and he has me on my feet all the time. which was the same for my daughters... I figure it mainly matters how the parents will raise them.

I was always told girls are easier when they are younger and more difficult when older, while boys are harder wnen younger and easier when they are older. I've got 2 girls age 13 and 9-both were very good babies, only fussed when wet/hungry/sick. I have custody of my 11 year old cousin and he was very needy/whiny/clingy as an infant-preschool and at age 11 still requires a lot of attention. Could be middle child syndrome? My older daughter has always been mellow and a bit sensitive, she was the classroom "mother" in day care and had no problem playing alone, now at 13 has a small circle of extremely close friends, was never whiny. We go through hormonal periods but she is still very easy. My 9 year old is the youngest of the three and is very spirited, independent and can play alone or with other children.
I believe birth order and parenting style influence their personalities. But I find that my girls are far more independent.
For those that say girls are more expensive-karate, gaming systems and games and RC cars that my boy want are often more expensive than the lipgloss, hair clips, jewelry, cd's-itunes, or books that my girls want, and clothing/shoes are equally expensive. And for the record, my girls are very clean and organized and take care of their things. Samuel is destructive with toys and has to be constantly reminded to put his games/dvds back in their cases so they don't get ruined.
Congratulations and good luck. Hope this helps.

hi i have,5 girls 1 boy. we have 14 grandkids mostly boys, everyone is different. to say one sex is easier then the other is not true. it is the child themself that makes the differents.each one is a uncountable blessing.god bless you and yours.

I'm sure you'll probably get lots of responses to this one. The answers to this question will mostly be opinions. I have two boys and one girl. One gender is not necessarily easier than the other. Every child, regardless of gender, is unique in his or her own way. My first child was a boy and a very easy child. He was (and still is at 20) pretty mild mannered and not really requiring alot of attention. My middle child, also a son, is very energetic, competitive, and challenging. There are times when I'm certain he will be the death of me. Yet, he is a joy to be around and there is never a dull moment. (He's now 17.) My youngest is a girl (now 10). She also likes to be active but in a much more quiet way than my middle child. She is more emotional than my boys so we frequently have to deal with hurt feelings. Bottom line, there is something special about a mother/son relationship as well as a mother/daughter. Either way this child is a special gift and you can have a wonderful relationship with him or her, regardless of the gender.

I have two boys ages 10 and 13 and I think that they are easier now. When they were young (birth to about five) they totally needed me all of the time. Now that they are both into sports and a little older they spend a lot of time with their dad doing that and not so much "mommy time".

I totally miss all the close time that we had. My only advice to you is DO NOT BLINK- they grow up so fast, 10 years from now you'll wonder where the time went. (and take lots of photos!!)

Oh, most definitely YES! My son is 4 1/2, and my daughter is 8 1/2, and he is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much easier than her!! He just rolls with everything. Everything is just no sweat to him! She on the other hand, has to add some bit of drama to so many things! Congratulations on your first baby!! They are SO wonderful, both sexes, but I am so thankful I didn't get 2 girls! :-)

Oh I don't know. I have a 3 yr old boy and a 10 mo old girl. I think at this age boys are a lot busier than girls. Maybe its the teen yrs when boys are easier than girls. My little girl seems a little bit more mellow than my boy was at her age but I will have to see how she does through the 2's and 3's. By the way if you haven't heard yet the 3's are way harder than the 2's. I guess I feel like at this age they are pretty much eaqualey difficult, which is to say mostly that my lack of sleep feels about the same with both. Anyway good luck on your question. Take care and may you have an easy birth and transition into motherhood.

I have six boys and one girl. In my experience my girl is more stubborn, willfull, and argumentative from day one than the boys. That is until my boys became 13. Then my boys went from sweet to moody and argumentative.

But that is just our family. I know it is impossible to say every family is the same.

J.

Congratulations! Enjoy your child. Don't worry about this. There is nothing you can do as to what sex your child is now. Besides why would you want to be prejudiced about which is supposedly better?

I have 3 boys & a girl who just turned 1. For me, the boys were easier. They are noisier & busy busy busy (that hasn't changed yet - they are 8, 6, & 3-but easier. From what we've encountered, our daughter is more emotional already. She can turn on the tears & throws tantrums if you say no. My boys I have always been able to reason with. I also have 10 nieces & 2 nephews - they've been the same way. My daughter will play with her toys & entertain herself, while my boys have always been easily distracted. Either way, congrats - being a mom is the best thing in the whole world!

Yes, I have two girls and one boy and my boy is the youngest. He so far is much easier than my girls were at his age 2 1/2. The best reason that I can saw is that he is not sassy mouth like the girls were and he is not so concerned with the social aspect and actually will play independently and try to figure things out mechanically rather than needing mommy and daddy to play tea party all the time with them. But also, my oldest daughter is 12 now and an angel. She is so great and who knows if boys get a little tougher at that age. My 5 yr old daughter is probubly more of a rambunctious risk taker than my boy..... so a lot of it is just personality too... good luck and enjoy every moment. The bottom line is don't worry you wont get what you were n't supposed to handle.

Every child is different. Period. My son was a very good/easy baby, fairly easy as a toddler...until just before he turned 3 (until he was around 8) was very difficult, but that was his personality, he was very strong willed and had A LOT of energy. He's 12 now and is wonderful, he has his moments, but for the most part, he's great. My daughter was not quite as easy as a baby, but not too bad, and has been much easier, for the most part, than he was - she's now 8, and she's pretty great too...we'll see when she's a teenager, right?! She does NOT like to get into trouble, and never has, even as a baby she was very sensitive. Again, though, every child is different, so it's just their personality - and how you parent plays a big role too. If you're try to be their friend and not their parent, that'll bite you in the behind in a hurry...

It all depends on you. If you treat them different because of there sex then yes they will be different. I think the only reason that people have a harder time with one or the other is there perception of the situation. I was a nanny to two boys and I have two girls of my own. They all have emotional breakdowns, and days were they were snuggley and sweet. Both loved books and playing outside. I raised the boys as if they were mine and when I had my girls I did much of the same and if you put the four together you would think they were syblings.
I try to always keep there age in perspective and always remeber I wanted to bring them into the world and should treat them as so. I don't spoil my girls with things, but i do spoil them with love. Everywhere we go people are always telling me they are the best they have seen. Good luck! No matter which it is a boy or girl you are going to be amazed at how much you will love them!!!

Yes its true. Boys dont require make-up, girly clothes, hair accessorys, tampons, monthly PMSING, boy problems, crying all the time from those boys, whining, fake nails, jewerly and so on! BTW ive got 2 teens from early september. stubborn,stubborn lol

P.S. girls are much cheaper than boys on car insurance. Normally 200 bucks or so for girls and boys go about 1,000.00 or more! My neighbor has a boy with no car accidents/tickets and they have no accidents and they want to charge him $1800.00 and her girl 200 bucks. My cousin is the same way.

I don't think there is any easier in the world of raising children.
I have a 16 month old daughter who is the sweetest, best behaved child anyone could have asked for. It is all about nuture, and how you are with your child. I have friends with wild boys and girls, and they love them anyway. :)
So all in all, "boys are easier than girls" -- in my opinion just an old wives tale! Good luck with the pregnancy and enjoy what ever you have been blessed with!

I have a 3 1/5 year old boy and a 9 month girl. Both of them have been wonderful babies. Very laid back and sweet. My son turned into a very curious boy at age 2. He is a great kid but very energetic, curious and independent. Only time will tell with my daughter! I wouldn't worry about it too much. Congrats on becoming a mommy. It is the best thing in the world!

It really depends on your personality and which challenge scares you more. Boys are very wild and busy, into everything, and to busy exploring to listen. You have to be there constantly to keep them safe. But, boys are very straight forward and easy to figure out.
Girls play mind games, they whine, they manipulate, and they engage in power struggles. But, they obey easier, they help more, they keep themselves safe by being calm and rational.

I personally think my daughter is much easier than my son because I am the kind of parent that thinks likes to cuddle and read books, not play ball and tag. I can handle all the girl stuff no problem because I remember being on the other side of it so well.

Keep in mind that these are all generalizations and stereotypes and that not all kids fit into these molds. Mine fit perfectly though. Look at your personality as a teen, and your husbands, and you'll get a little bit of an idea of what you might be dealing with.

I've got one of each, and for me personally, my girl is "easier" than my boy. Each child is different though, and it doesn't matter who is easier, I love them both the same. :D

yes definately boys are easier. think of husband and wife with 3 daughters. way to many feelings in the house that way

M., Well, I can't truly answer that question as I only have one boy. Now that he is 7 months old he seems to be easier than when he was younger. He had colic for 3 1/2 months and we didn't find GRIPE WATER (it helps with colic) until right towards the end. The last time we used it in his bottles was when we were in Hawaii the last two weeks of January. Since that vacations our little guy has turned into a happy baby. Of course he gets cranky when tired but, now that we can read his signals we know what to do. Our little guy is super active. CONSTANTLY MOVING, even in his sleep. I expect that he will be walking pretty soon. He is our first child and had him after we were married for 12 years. As for you I wouldn't worry about if one gender is easier than the other just enjoy what you have. It is truly amazing what they do as they grow. I hope this sort of helps you.
At least to put your mind at ease.

Making the life change to having children in general is hard and there can be "challenging" children in either gender. I have two boys ages 3 1/2 and when they play around other children in playgroups or PEPS, the boys all seem more "energtic" than the girls at this age. My kids also get into wrestling with each other. It starts out with laughs for fun, but I always have to watch they don't hurt each other getting too rough. I've heard that boys are easier in the teen years and that girls are more emotional, but haven't gotten to that stage yet. They are pretty busy and loud at this age. I adore having my boys. One is very snuggly and needy and constantly wanting me. The other is very independent, but also very sweet and tells me how much he loves me. Regardless of the challenges, kids are such a fun blessing! Good luck to you!

I have three girls and one boy. I honestly don't think one is easier than the other, in general. My son was a handful from the beginning. He is now 10 and is mellowing out. I have a 13 almost 14yr old daughter who is the biggest pain right now, but was the sweetest thing till she turned 11. Honestly at that point it was like someone else took over her body. My other daughters are 9 1/2 mo and 7 and are still pretty easy. they all have their moments but girls as teenagers are worse and boys when they are younger are definetly a handful. this is all frommy personal experience and I amsure it may differ a great deal form others.
Congrats on your soon to be!!!! You will love him/her no matter what!

I have twins boy and girl (26 yrs old now). I have three more boys as well. I found that they are equal. For being a mom it seems easier with the girl, because of the things girls like to do; play dolls, play house, dress up and so on. Boys on the other hand like to rough, into cars, sports and so on. THIS IS THE TYPICAL BOYS AND GIRLS OR MOMS. Some kids are easy and some are hard, it all depends on the parent when they were younger. As they grow they change at one stage the boys would be easy and the girl harder and vise versa. I have found that if they are harder when they are tots, they are easier as teens.
So the answer to your Q is no.

My mother had 2 boys and 2 girls. She always said boys were harder when they were younger and easier when they were teens and girls were the opposite. Now I have 1 boy and 2 girls and I agree (especially now that my son is 15 and my oldest daughter is 12). :) In the end it won't matter. You'll deal with the person/personality whether boy or girl who is born. Have fun meeting your new child.

My two boys were totally different. I have heard the same thing and it's all about how the female hormones are bursting with whining and crying and all of those girly emotions. They have too many worries about things in their social life, where boys don't pay too much attention. Boys are rambunctious, but it can be great fun. Don't think that just because they are boys that you should let them run wild like animals. Set the boundries of what is appropriate in your family.

Hi M.!
Congrats on the new baby!! We have a little girl, and, although we don't have any other kids to compare with, we feel she has been super "easy." Only cries when she needs something, sleeps as well as can be expected, not overyly adventurous or hyper. It's my opinion that the manner of the kid depends a lot on the manner of the parents, especially during the time you are pregnant. If you have a very relaxed and happy pregnancy, your child will have more that personality. If you are overly anxious, etc., so will your child be. Just my opinion, though, and certainly not the same for every situation. Just enjoy and go with the flow!!
~J.

I think that is only true if you have a girl first so that you can compare their differences. And it probably depends on their personality and your personality. Boy are so fun and so are girls. You will love what ever you get. :)

NO! I have two boys and compared to my friends with girls, they are much more of a challenge. I think come puberty, it will be opposite. It really depends. But, my experience is that your first child is pretty easy -- because you have the time to be attentive... It is the second child that is a challenge unless they are really mild tempered...

I have two boys and even though I haven't raised a girl I think the answer is no. All children are different. It's who the child is that makes them easier or harder. Both my children are very different and have had different concerns and challenges along the way. Who you are and what your personality is like makes a different how you will feel and react to your children and only time will tell how.

I have two girls and a boy. I don't think you can honestly answer that question one way or the other. I think there are way too many factors to consider. Your personality, the child's personality, birth order, etc. Plus I think all kids have good moments and bad moments just like us moms. My older girl is way easier and less emotional than my younger daughter who is a ball of emotion. My boy is easier emotionally too but he has a temper and even at 21 months is strong as heck. But if I had another boy he could be totally different. And just because you have a boy does NOT mean they will not be emotional. I know some boys/men who are more emotional than some girls/women. You just have to see what God blessed you with when they arrive!! Congratulations!!

I have two girls (no boys, so I can't make a fair comparion) but from the boys I've seen, my girls are much easier:)

From personal experience, I don't know- I only have two boys.
But- I have kind of a cute story about a friend of mine. She had had two girls, and then 9 years later, a boy. I still remember her saying that her girls had always played quietly with dolls and things, but when she had her son he just wanted to "play outside and get dirty". Poor woman thought there was something gone wrong with her mothering until she got to be amround other mothers of small boys !
My opinion, from what I've seen for myself and other peoples children, is that girls get their reputation for being 'harder' because they enter puberty younger, and pout and throw earl6y teen temper fits before boys do. But, not to worry, boys go through it to- just later and louder ( and *maybe* for not quite as long.)
The other thing to, though, is that it seems to me it is easier for mothers to 'get along' with sons, and fathers with daughters. Pictures from our own childhoods? Who knows- but there have been things written about the ultimate strenghth of the mother-daughter bond (Ursula K. LeGuinn come st mind.)
Either way, I know you will love and cherish your child, whichever sex, but do take seriously the old adage that they are only young for so short a period of time !

I have heard the same thing. I only have one child, a boy, that is the light of my life. He has been extremely easy (althought i have nothing to compare it too). He is busy, has alot of energy but I dont see that as being a negative. He has always been a great sleeper, hardly ever fussed for anything and is happy and excited about everything. When I have another baby I will hope for another boy but ofcource not be disapointed with a girl. My friend has a daughter the same age as my son (15 months). She can be sweet but seems to be more demanding, she's very smart but likes to hit and bite and is very sensitive. But she is definately not as busy as my son. It could just be that she is going through a different developmental stage than my son even though they are the same age. With all that I have heard and seen with little girls it makes me nervous to ever have one but I'm sure they are easier at different stages. And some people would prefer to not have a "busy boy" like I do. No matter what you'll love your child unconditionally and learn to adapt to their personality. congrats!

Let me just say first, you'll enjoy and be blessed by whatever sex your baby is!

I have a boy and a girl and they are SO different, and easy and difficult in different ways. I think what most people refer to with boys being easier, or girls being harder, is that boys tend to be more difficult upfront with all the energy, rambunctiousness, etc, but easier in the long run with less emotional drama, very straightforward "what you see is what you get", so maybe that is easier in the pree-teen and teen years. And girls can be more of quiet and easygoing, less hands-on fighting and wildness as a little one, but then more confusing and difficult in terms of emotions and drama later on. As a girl I definitely remember the backbiting, cliques, gossiping and drama in junior high and high school that seemed especially fierce among the girls. But who knows! Mine are just 3 and 1 1/2 and they are both a handful in their own way, and wonderful in their own ways too, and don't necessarily fit those stereotypes!!

Most importantly, congratulations on your baby, you'll enjoy him or her no matter what, so don't stress about it!! Just remember, his or her personality will be unique and special, no matter whether a boy or a girl.

I have 3 boys, and 2 girls. I think it depends on the child and their own individual personality. I do think the girls are more expensive. Seems they are into more "accessories" and such, as they grow up. Also, some of the things they are involved in growing up are more expensive (dance lessons, etc;) I did find my girls more emotional and sensitive, but I think they were both about equal when you considered all factors. Hope this help. And Good Luck on the new little member when he/she arrives.

Hi M.,
Kids are just kids in my opinion. They are each unique, with their own temperments. Some are "easy" and some are "high maintenance".
I have 4 kids (2 boys who are 27 & 23 and 2 girls who are now 19 & 14). My "easy" kids are my oldest and youngest (1 boy, 1 girl) and the two middle kids (also 1 of each) were the more challenging of the 4 to raise.
Yes, girls will be girls and boys will be boys (as the old sayings go). Our brains and physical makeup are different and science has proven this out recently. But I have enjoyed and appreciated the differences immensely.
I did give up on trying to be "politically correct" with my kids. I truely tried to discourage guns and the like, and my boys had stuffed animals and baby dolls, but they made guns out of sticks and the baby dolls had "fights".
Also, I definitely had 1 VERY rambunctious girl, who (perhaps because of the 2 older brothers) loved to show boys how she could beat them at races, arm wrestling, etc... She is now a very feminine and beautiful young woman and has outgrown the need to prove herself to the boys. The experience was quite enlightening.
I had also heard that boys were easier to potty train than girls. Here again my two easiest were 1 boy and 1 girl.
My advice to you is to not be concerned about "easy" and "hard". You will see that each child will have his or her easy as well as difficult traits. Just relax, love, and enjoy the individuality of your children. It will be over before you know it!
God bless you, and congratulations on the coming birth.

I have one boy. I also have two teenage daughters and twin 7 year old girls. I think he is the easiest of the bunch. So easy in fact, that he sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.

My cousin, on the other hand, has five boys. When I visit her, it is all these boys rough housing and being obnoxious. So I guess it depends on how you look at it. Girls are play nice and quiet when they are little, while boys rough house. When they are teenagers, girls consume your every minute and nerves to try to keep them in line. While boys....I don't know. He is only 12 still ,lol.

Easier?... Definitely different than girls. I've heard it said that boys are harder than girls until they are teens, then girls are more difficult. I haven't experienced this with my teens yet, they are who they have always been. Some were (are) a little more difficult, and the others not so much. I have one girl and three boys.

Absolutely!!! Boys are harder when they are younger. My only daughter is very easy compared to my boys but as they get older Boys are much easier. You don't have all the hormone and manipulating to deal with that girls are so good at doing.

I agree with your FIL totally!! That is in fact what I was going to say too. My husband says it is way easier with the girls, but I think in some ways our boys are easier. However, we have 2 of each and objectively speaking, I think it is more that they are just easier and harder in different ways so it really just depends on what you find hard or easy to deal with. My boys have a ton of energy and run everywhere. Girls are more emotional and tend to need short periods of time when they can just go sit on their bed and cry for no reason to releive tension.

However, there are exceptions to the rule. My older son is more laid back than the younger one and so comparitively speaking he is easier. My older daughter is in pre-puberty and can get super emotional and worrisome, which makes her seem harder at times.

The best determinating factor is, what were you, your husband and all your parents like as kids. Yours will be most like one of you. So, you have a 1 in 6 chance of guessing who they will be like. :) Sorry, not much help. God bless your newbie!! and just take it a step at a time.

I think Kerri hit the nail on the head!! I have 3 boys and love them dearly. However, with each of them has come a mound of challenges, some the same and many different. I have friends who have little girls that are either WAY worse then all 3 of my boys put together and some that are just the perfect child. So I just don't think anyone can claim that one is easier then the other. Good Luck!

Well, it is my experience that all kids are different no matter if they are boys or girls. I have three girls and one boy and in my experience, my son was the most difficult of all. I have heard that boys are harder when they are younger (energetic and all) and then they are easier as they get older (and the opposite for girls). My girls were all pretty easy. However I haven't gotten to the teenage years yet so I can't speak for that part of the child rearing years. My son is very energetic and strong willed. My daughters are more laid back, although the emotional part of them is a bit hard to take. However, they don't exhaust me quite as much as my son (he is 4 now and only calming down slightly). Good luck and congratulations!

It depends completely on the personality of the child. I have 2 girls and a boy. They all have had times when they are easier and times when we just can't seem to understand each other or they (or me) are fussier.

It's true that boys are different that girls, for the most part. But one easier than the other? No. All kids are different, even within gender. My son definitely was attracted to cars, trains, all things that "go" and my daughter not as much...but they both liked to bang on things and yell and roll balls and cars, as babies. Just get ready for a unique little person to emerge over days, months, years, and drink it all in. The BEST part about having kids is seeing them become their own people. It's truly amazing how we all become who we are. I love watching my kids' personalities emerge. It's like the never-ending, best Christmas gift ever!
Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! No matter what happens as they grow (terrible twos? independent threes?), remember that "this too shall pass" and that every stage of development is the best stage. :) So much fun ahead of you!!! Congrats!!

Hi M., congratulations! I have three daughters and no sons so I have never been able to personally compare raising girls and boys but I do want to assure you that raising girls can be quite delightful. Some kids are more challenging than others to raise but I wonder if it is a personality difference versus a gender difference. My own girls (15, 10 and 8) have been a real joy. Best wishes with the pregnancy!

In my experience, it is VERY true. I have a 4.5 year old son and a just turned 2 year old daughter. I was completely unprepared to deal with my "little pistol". My son was a very relaxed, calm, chill baby, and he still is as a little boy. My daughter has been stubborn, strong-willed, defiant, and rambunctous since day 1. Sometimes I contribute this to having an older brother to follow around, but I know that most of it is innate personality, because they have both been raised (to this point) by my husband & I, in the same environment, with the same rules. Now that she is old enough to understand, I have become more firm with her, especially when it comes to the defiant part.

Good luck in your new baby adventure and God Bless.

Congrats on your first baby to be!

I don't think that you can say that boys are easier then girls in a whole each child has their perks my son 1 yr is very much into everything and doesn't car what you think but he is the most sensitive emotional kid I have ever met. Whereas my daughter 3 walks circles around things that she is not suppose to touch in fear of getting in trouble but she can climb like no other can through a fit like you wouldn't believe and is very headstrong. But in the end parenting is no easy task boy or girl!

I feel boys are way easier right now anyways. My oldest just turned 9 and youngest is just a few days over 2 months. But then I only wanted boys myself. We waited to find out the sex of the youngest also.It's actually really cool to not know until delivery if you decide to wait. Congrats on the 15 years thats awesome

M.,
I have a son and take care of another boy and two girls. I do connect better with the boys, and I actually think it is because they are not so emotional. I love the girls, but they do tend to be more emotional (as am I!). They tend to be a little stronger willed, take offense easier, petty. This totally could just be their personalities though. Each child is SO different. You shouldn't quake in your shoes if you have a girl though. I think that if I had had a girl, I may have been overwhelmed by these boys. I do LOVE having a boy and being rambunctious and adventurous with him. He is a true joy to raise. After you read through all of the responses, I'd forget about them and just enjoy your child for who they are. Respond to their personality and enjoy their uniqueness!

While there are all sorts of generalizations that can be made about gender differences, I suggest that you wait until your baby is born, and I promise you, he/she will show/tell you their personality. In fact, you may already be getting clues from womb.

You must be joking! If there is anything I know about mothering, it's that girls are MUCH easier than boys. I have only one girl of my own, but have been step mon since my son was 3. It is like night and day. I think that maybe the tables will turn in the teen years, but for the past 4 years in my experience, my daughter has been like a dream (good behavior, listens well, doesn't act out) while my son is the complete opposite: always acting out, having to repeat instructions 4-6 times before getting any response, rambunctious to say the least. I didn't know him as in infant, so i cant say what boys are like in that dept. but I have many theories about why behaviors develop in toddler years based on the nurturing as an infant. that is a small book worth of ideas, so i won't get into that now. whatever your baby turns out to be, as long as they are healthy that is all that matters. give them the best start, breastfeed and hold them as often as you can. many blessings for a safe, smooth birth.

In my personal experience as the mom of a set of 3.5 yr old boy/girl twins and a 14 month old girl I'd say...... it depends on the situation. I almost never have to ask my son to turn off the whiney voice but then again I am constantly asking him to quit chasing the......cat....... dog ......girls.....etc and to quit jumping off of EVERYTHING. All my kids are pretty sensitive but my son is by far the quickest to get his feelings hurt. My daughter (oldest) has always been the one to fight bedtime and keep brother occupied so he wont sleep either. My son has been the only kid (so far) to throw a full out screaming tantrum in public (once they were out of babyhood). Boys seem to always miss the toilet which causes the bathroom to take on a constant pee smell in spite of the hourly disinfectant scrub down lol, but girls will fight you tooth and nail to wear "that dress" and will not take a subsitution no matter how filthy and ragged "that dress" is!! I could go on and on and on............ All kids are different and I don't think there is a "true" answere to your question. It's all perception.
Before I had kids I would constantly procalim that I DID NOT WANT GIRLS because they were such hard work. Kids in general are hard work!!! I wouldn't trade either of my girls if I could and would welcome another the next time around (although for my sons sake I would hope for a boy).
I did not find out the sex while pregnant with my kids because I didn't want to fret about girls ? boys ? another girl? it didn't matter they were there already and regardless of what I wanted I got who I got.
Don't let people freak you out with thier stories. Regardless of sex, you will have days that your kid will drive you batty and if it is by whining or raising hell it wont matter LMAO!!
Good Luck to you and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I have 5 children 25 22 20 17 and 12. The boys are my bookends, and have been much more of a challenge than my girls. My girls have been a total charm. I am blessed that they have been so easy. Each child is an individual. Part of their behavior is from the way they're raised, the other is what they come with. Best wishes. I really miss those young days, but I am loving the teenage years as much.

Yes boys are easier than girls. I am a mother of three boys ages 13,8 and 5. boys are not picky about what they wear,or how they look. Boys are pretty much laid back,easy going and bounce back from basically thing. I am the youngest of three girls in my family but I think I was more tomboy than anything because my sisters are very materialistic still to this day. Also in the future you don't have to deal with pms,breakups or paying for weddings.

I have 2 boys and 2 step daughters. It does depend on personality and the home environments but I think that in alot of ways having 2 boys is easier than 2 girls. Girls can be petty and catty. Boys are competative but generally are less dramatic. But really, it all depends on personality and attitude of each person. I did notice that a few weeks ago when we spent a weekend with my youngest boy and oldest step daughter only that it was a super peaceful weekend and they are simialr in personality and energy levels so they had a blast together more than usual. But I still would rather have 2 boys than two girls anyday mainly I suppose because thats what I have got:) You love em no matter what. I adore my step-daughters too. Its fun having them after being stuck with 3 men for two weeks without much girl time. It has its ups and downs either way.

M.,
What your father-in-law said holds true in my family! I have a 3-year-old girl who drives me crazy but is the apple of her father's eye and a 5-year-old boy who I just adore but my husband barks at constantly. Perhaps the fact that she is sooo much like me and he is sooo much like my husband is what gets us. It's easier to adore the child who reminds you of the spouse you fell in love with! (Not that I don't adore my daughter - she just gets under my skin a lot more!)

Good luck!!

Haha. Noooooo! Actually, having either is going to be challenging - no child is easy! It really just depends on their temperament. I myself have a fabulous - but insanely energetic little boy. You will jsut have different issues to deal with. Good Luck!

Ever child comes with his or her own personality. No two are alike. I am Mom to two boys and two girls and in some ways, the girls are easier, and in other ways, the boys are easier. You will get a beautiful baby that God meant for you! Don't stress over it!

I have two boys, 10 and 8, and was surprised by our youngest who is our only daughter. I was nervous at first at the prospect of having boys and not knowing how to grow a man. I love them dearly and have a great appreciation now for all that being a boy means.
When my daughter arrived, of course I was in love with her as was her daddy. But because of having boys, I was keenly aware of the subtle and not so subtle differences. She is different in many ways, more sensitive, loves to dress for show rather than practicality, and from birth she connected with me seemingly more intimately than the boys did. She is 6 now and very pronouncedly girl. (she does have two big brothers, so we say she's a princess who packs a punch)
I have a great connection with my sons partly due to the heavy reading I did about raising boys and life as a boy during my pregnancies. Also because of my willingness to play and to provide them with physical outlets. The two of them are each different in many ways.
I can see how the emotional roller coaster is more difficult with my daughter and the boundaries have to be clear as day for her pouting, etc. (the boys don't pout like that) Those women who enjoy the more emotional connections love having a daughter and relate quite well to them. I am a more practical person and find it more difficult to maintain my daughter's "girl" needs. (shopping, for example, which she loves, I prefer less of)
I am delighted in both unique qualities in my boys and my daughter, but I agree that the future looks emotional for our girl. However, the physicality of the boys is it's own challenge. At times it feels harder to connect with them and I'm sometimes unsure if a situation is resolved. Usually it is and I have to practice getting right to the point. It's good for my marriage, though.
The most important thing to remember is that each child is unique. There are sensitive and emotional boys and there are girls who are practical. Moms have the beautiful experience of knowing our children inside and out, and we get to learn to relate individually to each child. We can only do our best to meet the needs of our child and teach them to be the best that a person of their qualities can be.
I look forward to seeing the adults they all will become.
Congratulations! You are on an amazing journey.

Hello and congratulations!

In answer to your question, it all depends on what you see as "easy" and "hard". Boys will play for hours with Legos or Tinkertoys, don't care what they wear or how their hair is styled and play with whomever is available. All "easy" things. They also stick metal hairclips in the electical outlets, plug the toilet with 40 plastic bags and dare their friends to jump off the roof. Not so easy. Girls don't spend their first twenty years in death defying stunts as boys do,(easy) but the small stuff is more intense. They whine more, have friend drama, are late to school because they cannot find the one pair of socks out of thirty that they want to wear, don't like to play alone and need you to watch them color, watch them play, watch them watch TV. Not so easy.

Of course these are huge generalizations, but they are pretty true for me and most of my mommie friends.

Both are total joys. I love having both boys and girls, and I am sure you will be thrilled with either.

I have twin boys, now 19 and both in the Navy, and 2 girls, 18 and 16, Senior and Junior in highschool. When they were younger, the girls were much easier. Potty training a girl was way easier than the boys. And yes, at the younger ages the boys are much more outgoing and rambunctious. But, and it's a big but, when they get to be teenagers, boys are much, much easier than girls. They seem to take life much simpler. Girls react to most everything. I guess I should have known that, because now when I look back at when I was a teenager, it was the same in my house.

I think the question is, at what age? And the answer is: depends on the baby. I have a little girl who is just over a year old, and she is very mellow and easy. The little boys I have met are more rambunctous for the most part,but I have met a few who have the same mellow attitude that she does. I think it totally depends on the parents' natural demeanor, what food you feed them, their environment and mostly just their individuality. One thing that I have found unanimous among moms is that little girls are more fun to dress and shop for! Good luck and Congratulations!

It all depends on the child and their age. Right now my 4 1/2 year old boy is easier than my just turned 3 little girl. But that's just because she doesn't like going to the bathroom by herself. It all depends on the child. I hope this helps! H., mom to Ethan(4 1/2) and Emma(3).

Hi M.,
I have 3 kids 1 girl and 2 boys and I must say that each one is hard at times and easy others. My daughter who is the oldest does like to help me out and acts like the minnie mom even though she's only 3 and she tends to help too much sometimes by picking up and carrying her youngest 4 month old brother around no matter how many times I tell her not to, and gets what I call her miss priss attitude, which means she already likes to act like a teenager. My older son who is 21 months old likes to dig into things and go searching keeping himself entertained, and as a baby he spent most of his time awake studying the face of the person holding him, what makes him difficult is that he's the screamer and comes crying to me for no real reason. My youngest boy so far is pretty quiet, he just makes lots of grunts and groans that he gets put into another room for when it's "movie time", and when we do that with him we have to make sure he can't go anywhere and has a good barricade, being such a busy body he can already roll over lots of things which has caused him to fall to the floor a couple of times till we were able to find a bassinet for him, we're still looking for a crib or another toddler bed.

So with my experience each child is easy in some ways but has their own ways of being difficult, neither gender is really easier than the other, same goes with delivery, each child was difficult in their own way there too, #1 took forever 28 hours #2 came out in an odd position face forward with his hand first like he was trying to stop himself, and #3 turned breech just a week before delivery giving me a long recovery time. Just so you know you make sure you have a baby swing, that thing has helped give me so much break time, all 3 cry or cried when I put them in it, but it put them all to sleep in no time. Congradulations and good luck with all that comes your way.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! That is very exciting. I have a son (8) and two daughters (4,1) and from my experience, I think it really depends on the child. My son was BUSY and always kept us running. Then my daughter was born and we thought she would be sweet, quiet and very well-behaved. She definitely suprised us when she turned out to be as busy as our son, but also extremely stubborn! Our youngest seems to be a mix of the two. We have so much fun with them, but there is definitely a lot of activity in our home!
I have heard people say that boys are more difficult as youngsters and girls are more difficult as teenagers, but I haven't gotten that far yet. :o)
I wish you the best of luck with your little one. Enjoy every moment with him or her - the time goes by so fast!

Well, I have two boys and one girl and I can tell you that that is definitely a generalization. My first son was a VERY difficult baby. He cried all the time, would only sleep if I held him, and spit up large amounts after most feedings until after he was a year old. My daughter was such an easy baby in comparison. When she was tiny I would nurse her until she fell asleep, set her down, and she would sleep for four hours. My second son is more "average". Generally he is pretty happy, fusses a little until you hold him. Fast forward to now and my six year old son has boundless energy. He is constantly jumping off the furniture, racing around the house, being really loud. He is also a very sensitive and artistic kid. My 3 year old daughter is very bright, reading a bit, super helpful around the house, and a DRAMA QUEEN. I can still pick out clothes for my oldest son, but sometimes I have to draw the line at the fourth outfit change as we are trying to leave the house. She can collapse into tears at smallest thing. She does this VERY loudly. My littlest guy is going through a phase where I can't set him down without loud protests, which neither of my other kids did at this age. Which one is easiest? They are all beautiful and fun and trying at times:), but I don't think that you can really say that one is truly easier than the other. They stretch you in different ways at different times, but whoever your little one is, you will be amazed when s/he arrives that you wouldn't have asked for anything else. Though if s/he is an unhappy (colicky) baby give yourself some time. Don't feel bad if you feel overwhelmed.
Congratulations to you. Parenthood is the ride of your life!

I have a boy and a girl. Girls are easier to pottytrain. My daughter however is a big Drama queen and loves to argue and has a smart mouth. Now my son is learning this, however he is not as bad, but I think I would trade that for his energy. My son is constantly on the go, never stops and is contstantly climbing on something, getting into something. Loves to sneak stuff he knows he's not supposed to have into his room. He has learned to stack stuff to climb up higher to get what he wants. I never had these problems with my daughter and would honestly put up with the arguing instead of always trying to be one step ahead of my son, because it is hard to keep up with him.

I hear the same thing!
and actually, so far for me its true. LOL. But I think it is very individualized upon the child. My children are both quite active but my son sits still for coloring or such and my daughter wont. My son is a whiner (which I hear alot for boys) while my daughter is very defient (and I guess we will get sassy as well as she grows).
Each child is unique though so dont go into it with the expectations that its going to be "harder" if its a girl or easy if its a boy. Just take it a day at a time and let your child tell you who they are. Congratulations, being a mom is the biggest reward we can have.

My grandmother raised three boys then raised me and my sister, and says she would take the three boys again anyday-guess I got my payback, I've got two girls! It does seem that my friends with boys do have it a little easier..physical rowdiness versus verbal defiance maybe?! Plus like my husband says you worry more about girls' safety. But little girls are SO fun to buy clothes for, and I'm a girly girl so I'll take tea parties over thomas the tank engine anyday. Good luck either way, it will be a blast no matter what you get!

I think what this saying means is that, boys are less work than girls, require less attention in that there is less grooming involved. I think for most parents having a girl means spending more money on clothes, worrying about more emotional outburts, dealing with more attitude as a teen. Worrying about the girls safety more than a boys. Also there is daddy's little girl, daddy being wrapped around her finger and getting whatever she wants. Where as boys, that is rarely the case. So there you have it! LOL! Basically you may have your hands fuller with a girl than a boy and those I think are the reasons. I have three boys and even though I long for a daughter, I am actually relieved that I don't have one. I think I would worry all the time!

Good luck in your pregnancy!