Do boys need less parenting and cost less to raise than girls?

[elliejjtiny]

Can you settle this debate for me because I have all sons so don't have any daughter experience.

My MIL insists that boys need "less parenting" than girls and that they cost less to bring up.

I think that's rubbish and it's about individual personality, if they have disabilities/health problems and how much parents are willing to pay.

We are broke so the dc know that they get clothes from Primark/supermarket/ebay and if they want anything fancier then it's a Christmas/birthday present. Apparently if they were girls I would "have" to buy them designer stuff otherwise they would get body image issues/eating disorders.

My dc have their fair share of problems, autism, self harming etc which apparently would be worse if they were girls. I don't think that's true. I think some issues are more common in boys or in girls but neither sex is particularly easy.

But apparently I am clueless about how hard it is to have girls because I don't have any.

She's talking sexist nonsense.

Boys are generally worse for losing and/or destroying their possessions aren't they? DD comes home with stories of ripped trousers from fights etc! She is still cramming herself into a skirt she's had for 4 years.

Also they need their hair cut more often. And they grow quicker.

I have both and therefore am fully qualified to categorically say this gendered bull shit needs to stop.

I’ve had one of each, and they’re both expensive and need equal parenting.

Might have been true in the days of needing a dowry to marry em off. How old is she?!

I would say only the sanitary products from that list is girls only. My boys have been into grooming for a while, expensive barber trips on a frequent basis, they also have a bit of a penchant for designer boxers so would say level pegging in those areas.

I expect in her world and anecdotal evidence it's absolutely true. It doesn't make it true in general or invalidate your experiences in life.
I think this is one of those smile and nod situations as it isn't a winnable argument

My DD buys cheap clothes from shien. My DS only wears designer. My DD has required more intense parenting but I definitely think that's based on need more that gender, although the friendship issues are more stereotypically girl issues.
My DB needed a lot more parenting than I did, I just got on and did as I was told, he had ADHD and was always in some kind of trouble.

I have both boys and girls
my youngest boy is the only one who’s had a Big Hobby. It’s dance and costs a fortune compared to the other kids.

Ah yes, boys definitely the cheap option - you simply chuck them out the door in a pair of plimsolls and let them climb trees for amusement.

Or.. they eat way more, have constant growth spurts that are for more noticeable in trousers than a skirt/dress. They outgrow ‘kids’ shoe sizes way earlier so you’re in the to league of adult Nikes from age 10/11! Keeping up with the latest football kits and gaming systems provide regular hits to the bank account and the hair cuts every 4-6 weeks also add up. Your MIL is in cuckoo land

This. Perhaps foolish people thinking boys need 'less parenting' is why the vast majority of violent crime is committed by men and we have the issues we see today with the attitudes young men are being exposed to!

But why is your MIL trying to make this point, do you think? Did she have lots of girls and is trying to prove that she had more to do as a mum than you do? Did she have a very hands off approach with your DH and is trying to justify it? Is she just generally wanting to tell you she thinks you have it easy, for some reason?

I don’t think anyone can watch the manosphere documentary and think boys need parenting less.

In my experience yes, but that's just based on my son and daughter and their characters and interests.
Everyone is different, it's impossible to generalise

Look at the news.

That's what happens when boys aren't parented enough

Mate. You know your MIL is full of shit

That’s utter rubbish in general but the point about costing less the boys I know are much more into designer clothes than any of the girls who are happy to shop in primark etc

I can only speak for my ds, now 17.

He's not expensive in terms of clothes. No make up, £10 at the barber, basic toiletries.
His prom outfit cost me £185 and he can use it for interviews unless he grows out of it.

He seldom buys anything, not bothered by fads, no interest in a car, cycles everywhere.

However, he eats twice as much as I do every day and his preferred holiday is skiing. Also he's too big for me to share a room with, so any holiday requires two rooms now.

Hahaha, what a load of old existence stereotype bollocks.

My MIL insists that boys need "less parenting" than girls and that they cost less to bring up.
Ask her 'in what way?'.

proper parenting doesn’t cost money 🙄

The question is not just about money it says "less" parenting.

I would guess, we only have two very different boys, but everything being equal, so similar hobbies, style/price of clothes, girls are slightly more expensive.

But parenting equal.

She wants to shop in flannels for my teenage son and see how much change she gets. Is she aware boys also like nice smellies, haircuts, have hobbies that include collecting large lego sets etc?

He’s also a well educated, polite, caring, active, well rounded member of society and that didn’t happen by accident.

She’s talking out of her arse.

My teenage boys definitely cost more. They eat a ridiculous amount and their clothes (man sizes) and trainers are eye-wateringly expensive.

You can get lovely clothes for girls that don't cost a fortune and designer trainers for less.

Girl's hobbies did cost much more, but that's because of the hobbies they chose.

Neither sex needs less parenting! Individual child will have different needs, but they have needs all the same. Even if they are naturally well behaved, they still need help and support.

I did struggle with my boys rough and tumble when they were younger whereas my girls weren't interested in that sort of play.