The PSID study found that infants and toddlers spend on average 2 hours per weekday in early education programs or childcare. Differences between weekends and weekdays are small at this age. As children age, they spend less time on weekdays sleeping and playing, and more time in school and studying. Gender differences become more notable around age 6-8. Boys favor sports activities, while girls favor household work, personal care, visiting and art.
Unstructured play declines faster for girls than for boys as they age.
The researchers also wanted to know the effect of other factors, such as the parents' income, education, and employment status, on what kids do. Children in single-parent families spend less time reading. Children in a family with a more educated head of the household spend more time reading. Children of older parents are more likely to read than children of younger parents. Girls spend less time in sports and boys spend more time as they grow older.