Girls with more egalitarian attitudes towards women have better self-images. The same does not apply to boys. Boys, on the other hand, like games with rules and competitive performance. When boys and girls play together, boys' play preferences tend to prevail. Young children tend to choose colors, toys, and activities that they feel are meant for their sex, and like to play with other children of the same sex.
Children get approval from their peers when their play is appropriate to their sex.
Those who play in cross-sexed activities tend to be criticized by their peers or left to play alone. The toys we buy for our children encourage certain activities and behaviors. A study that looked at the contents of boys' and girls' rooms found that boys play significantly more with toys of the world, and girls played significantly more with toys of the home. Toys made for girls teach them to sit and play quietly and are a great preparation for the academic skills of reading and writing. Boy's toys promote exploration and experimentation with active participation.