A study of active, athletic women once revealed that many preferred to play with boys or mixed groups when they were younger. As adults, the women reported having better body images and self-esteem. Boys play with blocks, so they develop better spatial skills, Martin says. Girls talk more, so they develop better verbal skills. Boys who play with girls learn more about cooperation and controlling their impulses.
Girls can get a lesson in assertiveness from boy playmates.
But the answer is not to force kids to play with members of the opposite sex. In the classroom, teachers should make sure that girls and boys participate equally in structured interactions. Maccoby suggests rotating leadership roles in group situations. Teachers also should let students know that each member of the group has knowledge to contribute. Parents and teachers have to be vigilant to not let boys take over and dominate the interactions.