Why Raising Sons Can Be More Challenging Than Daughters: Science Explains One Major Reason

If you’ve ever felt exhausted while raising a son, unable to keep up with his endless energy, you are not alone. Science now explains why many mothers find raising boys more challenging than girls.

Toddlers Are Naturally Energetic
Parents of toddlers (ages 1–3) know the struggle well. At this age, children are curious, eager to explore everything, and often get into mischief—knocking things over, running around, and testing limits. While all toddlers can be challenging, many parents report that raising boys can feel even more demanding than raising girls.

A Mother’s Experience
Pediatrician Dr. Rohit Bhardwaj recently shared a case on Instagram. A mother explained that while raising her daughter had been relatively smooth, caring for her toddler son feels like enduring an entire year within each hour. “It’s not just my home—it shakes me to my core,” she admitted.

The Scientific Reason
According to Dr. Bhardwaj, toddlers’ brains and behavior patterns differ by gender. Boys tend to be more physically active, impulsive, and sometimes slightly aggressive compared to girls. ADHD symptoms are also more frequently observed in boys, contributing to their heightened energy levels.

Managing High Energy Effectively
Experts emphasize that labeling a child as “naughty” or “troublesome” is counterproductive. Instead, parents should understand the child’s energy and channel it productively:

• Encourage outdoor play: Activities like catch-and-throw games help expend energy constructively.
• Set strict rules: Teach children boundaries, such as explaining that hitting is not allowed.
• Limit screen time: Reduce time spent on gadgets and promote physical and social activities.
• Explain behavior, don’t punish: Guiding a child’s actions helps with brain development and behavioral learning.

High energy in boys is not a punishment—it’s a natural part of brain development. With patience and structured activities, parents can manage their sons’ liveliness while fostering growth and learning.

(Disclaimer: Information is based on an Instagram reel and is for general awareness; Navbharat Times does not verify the authenticity of the video.)