My kids and my friends' kids probably aren't old enough for me to have noticed this trend on my own. But, according to a new study, girls, 3-6, worry more than boys do. Are they born that way or do we teach them to worry more? By the way, this trend also exists in grown women worrying more than men.
From what I've seen, I think that's probably right for grown ups. I don't know exactly why, maybe it's a mothering instinct, that needs to protect the brood. But guys (should at least) have their own helping of anxiety-inducing concerns: providing food for the brood, protecting it against intruders, etc. I find it interesting in these science-related items to find how an evolutionary explanation often matches up nicely with a biblical reality, command, or simple statement.
I don't know that such a connection exists here, as the evolutionary components to this trend aren't discussed. Plus, I believe the command to men and women is 'be anxious for nothing'. Maybe this study shows that following this command is 'naturally' a bit more difficult for young girls and women. Why it would be that way is an interesting topic, but I don't have an answer on it.
From a parenting standpoint, what is the result? Maybe just that we work even harder with our girls to remind them to be anxious for nothing, to have no fear, as they are wonderfully made and protected by their God. Giving confidence in their Creator, not their innate abilities does seem like the best way to prepare them for a lifetime of not worrying. Having confidence that "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" is the best way to not stumble through a lifetime of fears about this world, and our place in it.
Don't worry, be happy...
Thomas More
I'm wondering if boys and girls experience similar levels of anxiety, but boys are better at channeling the nervous energy into action (i.e.something positive). Girls are more likely to be visibly anxious so maybe it's easier to recognize?
Posted by: Philomena | October 04, 2007 at 04:19 PM