Are Boys and Girls Really All That Different?

I have a brother 2 years younger than I. When we were growing up, my dad did the same things with both of us. In other words, we both had the same opportunities. We both went bowling on a league, we both got pocket knives, we both built things with hammers and nails, etc. Not to say that that's all we did. He did do things special with us that were of individual interest, but we were treated both the same. Gender distinction will come on its own. It doesn't need much help along the way. My best advice would be to do the same things with her that he does with his boys (except maybe peeing for disantance competition LOL). Good luck!

I have one boy (3) and one girl (1.5) and so far my experience tells me that while they are definitely different, (she is SO much more dramatic, and she's already a shoe fanatic) a lot of their differences are pure personality, not necessarily gender based. My son is the cautious one, my daughter the bold daring one. She, in fact, enjoys wrestling, tickling and rough housing sometimes more than he does. So just try to parent according to what your daughter's personality is, not necessarily treating her differently just because she is a girl. Obviously there are things you'll do differently, and different things she'll do and want to do, but don't over think it too much! Just enjoy the different-ness that a girl brings to your clan of boys!

I don't think this question has ever been adequately answered by science or anecdote, but I'd say the best approach is to tune in to your child's own personality, and let relationships form organically. So many people dress a baby girl in pink and immediately start inviting the world to project expectations. "The Princesses" (Disney) are sold as a sort of girl gang of beauty. I have a girl, and of course I was once was a girl myself, and I remember that frustrated feeling when I wasn't supposed to do or like something because I was a girl, though I'd grown up playing the same games alongside my older brother...people voice their expectations and then see what they want to see in terms of girl behavior.
In studies, when students were told that a certain person or writer was female, they read the work one way. When they were told the writer was male, they read it another one. We still live in a heavily sexist culture. Sad but true. When Hillary Clinton is out there compaigning, she's going to be picked on for things like looks, and hysteria, and being shrill or the unspoken-in-polite-media B-word...
Anyway, perhas more than you're looking for, but I'd say girls are great, boys are great, and you'll be fine.
Good luck!

Ha! I have this battle with my mother-in-law all the time! I have been a teacher for 10 years and also have both a daughter and a son. I think the only diffeerence is what you bring to the situation. My daughter has always been more active and spirited. My son is easy going. Everyone warns me that they should be just the oppisite. Just get to know your daughter as an individual ather than a "girl". She wil let you know who she is as much as your boys do!

One thing I will say...the bond between a little girl and their dad is the most adorable thing in the world! I HAVE seen that difference between my daughter and son!!

No need to fear! I actually had my daughter first and my son second. They ARE completely different and I have to say that boys are a bit easier for me. However, having a girl is such a wonderful thing. My husband does play around with her just as much as my son and she loves it. He's actually more rough than I would be...but she just adores that time and has since she was a baby. One thing my husband is adamant about is building her self-esteem. He praises her..a lot..tells her how beautiful she is and how wonderful and kind and sweet a person she is. He does the same with my son, but he's different in the amount of praise needed. He really focuses on her self-esteem because that is what little girls need now more than anything in life. The daddy's girl concept is real and true! Our son makes us laugh and brings an easy-going spirit around here complete with trucks and trains. My daughter brings the hormones and definitely the babydolls and dress-up every day. THE thing to focus on is not whether they are a boy or a girl, but what THEY loves. What makes THEM tick. Every child is different not matter what the gender anyway. OH -- one thing we have established is a "daddy-daughter day" 1x a month. He takes her out wherever she wants. Last time it was getting her ears pierced and eating sushi (yes..my daughter is 6 and loves it!) As my son gets older we will do the same thing for him. Again..just taking that focus away from gender and more onto the human being is what is important. I myself had a horrible relationship with my mother and my father wasn't much better. SO, it has been a mystery on how to raise both my children. But we love them both so much, and so HOW to raise them and what to do just follows suite. Most importantly, don't worry about it! You will get the hang of it and I found my worries to be silly after she was born anyway! Hope this helps a little:)

Okay, this one really bugs me sometimes :) I have 3 girls and just had a baby boy (who is now 8 weeks). Here's my theory: KIDS are different. Each one! If I described my 2nd daughter's behavior, people would probably assume she was a boy. Each one of my children are very different and have behaviors that sometimes get lumped into a girl/boy category. Here's the thing... it's all about parenting too. I can't stand when boys are excused for mean/destuctive behavior with the "boys will be boys" card. Well, I know a lot of little boys who don't run into doors with their heads, but some parents let their boys act like monkeys. The same can be said about girl "stuff", like if a girl is excused from throwing a fit because "girls are just so dramatic".

However, I do think that there are behaviors that are innate to boys and girls.

I guess my only problem is when people use them for an excuse; know what I mean?

And by the way, my hubby tackles my girls NON_STOP :) So, don't let that stop your hubby! I have actually met a little boy who hated to rough house, so go figure!

I hope I don't sound heated, but it's just that I got so much "you're not going to know what to do with a boy!" during pregnancy that I got a little annoyed. :)

My girls and boys all like the same activites too. I have a boy, one tom-boy, and one dressy girl. My boy is nurturing and loves babies. The tom-boy has a list of fears so she doesn't climb trees. And my Girly-girl seems to always find herself hanging from something with ruffels flying everywhere. lol. The first 8 years or so the boys and girls can pretty much match. After that the dad-daughter relationship changes a bit and is very important. The christian book Captivating by John Elderidge is probably the best insight to it that I have found and might set your husbands mind at ease.
Congrats!

Girls... they wrap their daddy's around their little finger from the first moment they meet! It's a miracle I've watched twice. Your little girl will show you how to love her, what she likes, and how to play with her. Don't worry!!

M.

My advice is that you will figure it out as it comes! I have one of each and my son is the older one. They are 19months apart, but they enjoy playing together. She likes to be a "girly girl" sometimes, but she isn't above rough and tumble either. She will let you know what she feels comfortable with. It's always fun to have a little princess that knows how to play in the dirt :)

I have no idea if boys and girls are different, as I had a sister and my only child is a girl. I CAN tell you that she is a big Daddy's girl! She prefers her dad to anyone else and they love to play together. She isn't very rough and tumble, but I know lots of girls who are (I just think it depends on the child's personality). My daughter is almost 3, and she and her dad have tea parites, read books, draw, play with playdoh, play trains, throw the ball for the dog, go to the park, play with her baby dolls, ponies, and her doll house, etc. I will tell you that there is nothing sexier than seeing your husband drink tea out of a pink plastic cup with bows in his newly done hair! I hope you all have a wonderful adventure with your new addition!

First, congrats and kudos on doing the SAH thing!
yes boys and girls are different. I think the biggest difference is that boys tend to be whinners and girls are smartmouths. My girl doesnt talk alot right now (18months) but she knows NO and uses it much more then my son ever did, while he loved to help out around the house, she says no to everything until brother starts in and then she joins. I thought she would be quite and sit and play with dolls, or color but she is VERY active (this could just be my daughter as we are an ADD family) She is persistant when she wants something and LOUD about it. She screams ALOT and is only starting to cut down a little now that she is picking up some words.
As far as the Dad thing, I dont think you have to worry, our daughter was the first on both sides as far as grands, and it had been 10 years since anyone had had a girl anywhere in my family and none in matts in 3 generations. He was very worried about interacting, but excited. He took to her so fast! She only holds still for cuddles from dad and he still roughouses with her and her brother (they are actually less whinny about getting hurt) just is a bit more aware of her smaller size....
Like with each boy, each child is so different you have to make a whole new playbook for each one. Good Luck and Congratulations, now you get to buy the frilly pink dresses!

Good morning K.. I understand how you are feeling. I have a 14yr old son and a now 3 yr old daughter. At first I was worried about having a little girl because I had a boy already and knew what to do with him and I was NEVER a girly girl so having a daughter was strange to me. She is the greatest thing in the world. I would love to have another girl. She plays rough with her dad and kicks her brothers but and plays with her babies. She cooks and cleans (yes she is only 3) and is the apple of daddy's eye, but the best part is that she LOVES her mama. It really is the best of both worlds because girls can be a tomboy (she rides on the tractor) then turn around and be a girly girl. Hope this helps
Teresa

First I must say I completely agree with the previous poster Lilla: "Your daughter-to-be will not be Girl, she will be *a* girl. And she will be an individual, just like you were." and "There is no one right way to be a girl. Let her show you what she likes."

Little boys and little girls are different by nature in some ways, but we as a culture have a lot to do with how girls and boys are shaped as well. And that isn't always a good thing, IMO. If you think about it, culture shapes girls and boys right from the start - "gotta find out if we're having a girl or a boy so we know what colour (pink or blue) to paint the nursery!" Check out the clothing sections for children and babies... little girl clothes are mainly pink and frilly, while boys clothes are solid colours of blues. The toy section... trucks and action figures (with weapons) for boys while the girls have a large selection of dolls (usually wearing makeup).

So to answer your question, by nature yes girls and boys are different... However, you (and family/friends) have a big part in deciding what cultural "norms" and beliefs (about gender) will play into your daughters upbringing.

:)

Hi K....
Well, I don't want to repeat what most everyone has posted, but I do want to add some reading suggestions for you. There is a great book and a lot of studies out there that actually study the brain development between girls and boys from birth on, to ultimately lead to the best ways to teach boys and girls. The book is called "The Minds of Boys" and is written by Michael Gurian. You can also google "brain differences in boys and girls" and it will turn up some great info. I'll try to post more books for you, if you want.
Yes, all children are different. However boys' and girls' brains are completely wired differently. The flow of brain (or lack of) to certain parts of the brain stimulate different functions. ie, there is more blood flow to the part of the boys' brain for doing adventurous and daring things. However there is more blood flow for a girl in the communication part of the brain. (this is why we as women can go on and on about a simple thing...)
At 4 months old, a baby girl laying in a crib will lock eyes with a person coming in to see them. A baby boy will continue to look at the mobile hanging above him. This shows how boys tend to be more object oriented and girls being more person (mommy) oreinted.
Granted this isn't so for every single child, but for the majority. There are boys with more girl traits and vice versa. And there are countless studies on that.....
On a personal note, I have 6 nephews and 2 great nephews. I'm actually closer in age to my 2 oldest nephews than my 2 sisters. I've helped 'nanny' the 4 youngest while I was going thru college. I always wanted boys of my own, as they are physical, it's very easy to read their emotions, very large motor, and non-drama and emotional, and very easy compared to girls.
So, God thought it funny I guess to make me see myself as a child and gave us 2 girls, now 5 1/2 and 3 1/2. I think my mother cursed me to have daughters "just like me." I love my daughters, and they are so amazing to see grow up. Yes they are much more dramatic and emotional and stubborn and manipulative. However (this is big) I get to do their hair, go shopping for clothes, and play dress up and paint their toe nails and have "girl" talk that only mommy can have with them. It's so much fun to share stories with my girls (especially my 5 yr old) about when I was little and how special she has it now.
I'm sure this will all wear off in about 10 years when they are not on speaking terms with each other or me.
One of my best friends has a son 5 1/2. When she was expecting her second child she kept saying "Oh, I want a girl so I can see the difference in boys and girls." And boy has she. Her daughter is 2, and is very much a girly girl who loves to pick on her brother and get dirty doing it.
Have fun with all of your children and let them be who they are. You're going to do great!! And in a few years, we'll all still be here for you!!!
(and I'm sorry this is so long...I could go on for days about how much I love my girls and my nephews!!)
Good luck!
A.

Yes and no... we have 2 girls, and they wrestle with Daddy, love to go hiking and camping and be outdoors... but they also love to play dress-up, do Daddy's hair, have tea parties, etc.

We have 2 nephews as well, and they are very different from each other too. One is very "boy" going shooting with his dad, playing with cars, guns, lego's, etc, and the other is more of the dino crowd for now - he barely knows the shape of a gun.

Your little girl will adapt to the lifestyle of your family - and add a bit of pink. I.e. - my brother-in-law wants to get a rifle with a pink stock for his little girl so she can go shooting with Daddy too!

HTH,
J.

Hello I have a 6 year old daughter and she is kind of a rough and tumbley girl. She plays with her cousins cars (she has some cars of her own too) because her dad is a car freak lol. I see nothing wrong with her being this way. She also plays with her Barbie dolls and she has lots of girl toys. I think it is great to have a daughter who can play with both boys and girls. I really would not worry about it a girl being brought up with mostly males is fine. Just make sure she gets to be herself. I am worried about when my daughter is a teenager yikes! That is when the fun begins! Good luck!

I have two girls and a boy--my oldest and my middle child, my son, are 17 mos. apart. Of course, since my oldest was first, and around longer, she wore girly, frilly things for her first 2.5 years of life, had all girl toys, etc. After my son was old enough to graduate from baby toys to boy toys appropriate for his age, my daughter began liking alot of his toys, and soon, anytime I bought either of them anything, I had to buy the other the same thing, and this went on for years. In fact, she is still, to this day, not very "girly," whatever that is supposed to entail. She is feminine enough that everyone knows she's a girl, but not into pink, or "froo-froo" anything, not a girly-girl at all.

My youngest, a daughter, is totally girly, pink's her favorite color, and all kinds of into the cute and cuddly, frilly, dresses, and all that.

I will go with the default response and say that all kids are different in one way or another, even if they're the same gender, and she will be different than the boys, no matter what. Also, she's the "baby," and the only girl--of course, there will be differences inherent in that situation. Not to mention, father's do treat their daughters differently than their sons. My husband is proof.

I am sure that if you continue to treat the boys the same as you always have, and your baby girl garners her own special kind of treatment, things will be fine.

Congratulations!

KW

Girls are easy. My husband rough houses with our daughter. She will be her own person and you will have fun.

yes, trust me, she will be your best friend forever. I have two boys and two girls. Aren't I lucky? Don't expect your daughter to be like you, but she will be your friend and Daddy's delight. Try to have two girls. They will be very different and be your best pal in different ways. I speak from experience. I am 80.

Are they different??? Boy do you have your work cut out for you. I have 4 boys and 4 girls. Boys are 20, 17, 15 & 3. Girls are 14, 11, 5 & 4. The first thing is, don't count on getting that cute, docile, little girly-girl. I had planned my first daughter to be my little princess, in fact she has turned out to be the first one to start the rough housing. She's defintely an outdoorsy, hunting, horseback riding girl. Her favorite way to describe herself is as a "hick-chick" or a "redneck". Which luckily for us fits our lifestyle. But when she was born I had envisioned pink, frills and canopy beds. She hates all of the above and so do her sisters.

Girls have a lot more mood swings than boys. They will nickel and dime you to death with the stuff they want, ie jewerly, makeup stuff like that. The boys tend to want BIG stuff with BIG price tags.

Just let her tell you how she's going to be. As for the daddy-daughter relationship. Just don't let him baby her too much. Try to treat her just like the other kids (boys), because let's face it, whether she tends to be a girly-girl or a hunting, fishing, outdoorsy girl, she will still be a part of the family which sounds like it's mainly boys. And you don't want the boys to get any more jealous then they are likely to naturally be. The biggest problem my boys had with having a sister, was that their dad tended to want to treat her like a china doll (and still does, but he's learning to deal as our girls are more likely to string him up for that then even the boys are).

Other than that, congradulations and good luck.

K.,

First. . . . Congratulations! Second, this little girl will probably be spoiled. I just had my second child, my first daughter. I was raised by my dad with my brother, so I too wondered what was different about girls. So far she isn't too different. She seems to be as active as my son. She crawled and pulled to stand Christmas week at 6mo. She is daddy's little girl and her brother's best audience.

When I was a little girl, my dad would tickle/wrestel with both me and my brother. It was an all out battle to avoid being tickled, but we loved it. I grew up like a tom boy, but loved the girly things of life and always wished for a mom. Fortunately I had a lot of surogate moms who helped me out.

Just enjoy her. Let her be herself, but guide her just like you are guiding your boys. Love of course is the most important and it sounds like you have a lot of that at your home. She will be a blessing.
~J.

I have two girls, and grew up in a family of girls. Very outdoorsy, feminist, strong-minded, athletic girls. I guess my only advice is to let your child, no matter what the gender, dictate what their interests are. My girls love to play rough and tumble with Daddy. They also love to pretend to be mommy to their babydolls. But I hope your boys also have the opportunity to play with babydolls. I try to give my girls every opportunity to play with cars and trucks (it's the grandparents and aunts who keep buying them dolls, and only dolls, and more dolls...).

Hi K.--
Congrats! I know how you feel! I am a rare girl in my family, so raised around all boys, and we lived in a small community with no girls my age, so even my friends were boys. And my husband has 2 brothers and all boy cousins.

We also have 2 boys and a girl. My husband was so nervous about a girl! You know what we found: we do the same things with her as the boys. Play rough and tumble, dirt biking, riding toys, tree swings, the whole bit. And she is still all girl through it all. She loves tea parties (which my husband is enjoying, too--amazingly!), playing dress up and her dolls. But she also plays with cars and the "boy" toys. The funny thing is that my husband is the one who buys her all the girlie stuff, not me! LOL.

Don't worry, it will come naturally. Even as a toddler, she was attracted to the pink aisles at ToysRUs, so just follow her lead and let her personality shine!

Good luck--A.

Hi - I had two boys and then a girl, they are 6.5, 3.5 and 1.5 now. I grew up with 5 brothers and was a tom boy growing up. Anyway, my girl was a very easy baby. Didn't eat every 2 hours the first 6 weeks and started sleeping through the night on her own. She goes to bed and naps without fuss and actually seems to enjoy it. She had a very sweet disposition as a baby.

She likes to help by copying mommy with cleaning, brushing her hair and picking out clothes. Boys had no interest in any of that. She likes putting her toys in a little play purse and talking on a pretend phone (she didn't get that from me). She will rough and tumble with her brothers, but also tease them. If she doesn't get attention from them - she will grab whatever they are playing with and run with it squealing giggling. She likes girly things, pink, hugging stuffed animals, feeding her sippy cup to her teddy bear etc. She also teases her daddy pretending she doesn't want a good night kiss. She also seems like she will be bossy and pushy, when reading to her she grabs the book and wants to be in control of it, we are working on those things. We didn't really have terrible twos with the boys - but we think we are going to have them with her.

Many girls like the rough and tumble play time, some don't. They will teach Daddy how to handle them right quick. The important thing is Daddy being there to play with them, or read with them, or just sitting together watching tv.

You cannot plan on what your girl's personality is going to be like. She could be a 'girly-girl' like my oldest daughter or one that is into sports, outdoors and animals. (girly-girls tend to go for arts, music, dancing, reading, frilly clothes) My the way, My girly-girl is an building contractor and can plumb, do electric,waste water management and like that. Who knew!!)
'Grandmother Wonderful'

Basically look at yourself. It isnt much different besides the basic normal woman I need cute bows, puppies,kitties, then tampons,makeup,short skirts etc...
But like we all know even though we hate to admit it we are very emotional and our feelings get hurt easier. Just through the years remind the hubby even though you maybe joking it hurts because we are female and so on.. We females are alot harder and complicated so get ready for a future fustration with your hubby. Expecially when they become a teen lol

good luck

you are a girl! lol...
you'll be fine! :) you'll play just right cuz she'll lead the play.. if she is a doll baby she'll turn about one years old and pick up a dolly and want to be a princess and you'll follow her lead. if she loves animals you'll follow that lead. she will tell you what kind of girl she is. Our daughter is a girly girl, loves dance class, loves her animals and wants to be an anmial dr and a babysitter when she grows up. However!! we take her riding quads and we play in the mudd.. you'll be fine... just remember what ever way you raise her is just fine. she's yours! enjoy!!

I wouldn't worry about it to much. She will teach you about girls. I have an older boy and a 8 mo old girl. And so far she just acts a little gentler, a little softer, a little more feminine. I don't think there is anything wrong with being a rough and tumble daddy either, she will learn how to hold her own with the boys. One thing that did come up for me when she was born was how important it was for me to get over my own insecurities and preconcived notions, and societal pressures of what it meant to be a girl. I also need to deal with my "daddy issues" so that I can love her and care for her as unconditionally and as fully as possible. And raise her to be an independant, confident, self suffiicient girl (woman). Hope that helps.

Hello, well I was raised with two brothers, no sisters. We have a 14 year old boy and a 7 year old girl. My husband had only brothers. My daughter has her daddy wrapped around her finger, it simply is amazing to see the difference between how my husband acts with our son versus our daughter. He still has the same high expectations, but when things don't go well, he is much more apt to go "patch" things up with our daughter then he has ever with our son. I never had this relationship with my father, he worked too much, so this has been a real mystery to me. I would encourage that no one gets treated differently and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Good luck, they really are different but all in a good way.

Girls are definitely different. It is something, however, that I would absolutely embrace as a new experience, much like with your very first pregnancy. Enjoy every moment.

Your boys will always have a very special place in their hearts for you (we all see them saying 'hi mom' on TV, never 'hi dad'), but you DO lose them to their wives and their wives' families. That is the nature of this world. On the flip-side, your daughter may be at odds with you at different stages in her life, but will ALWAYS BE a prominent presence in your life period.

I kid my mom about us having made a pact in heaven with a flip of the coin. We believe we were best friends in heaven as souls. When it came time to choose how to come to earth, we begged to be in each other's lives and I lost the coin toss as to who was going to be the mom.

She will be a very pensive child, but logical and methodical, and yet very jealous of your time. Typical number three child behaviour. She will be naturally inclined to imitate whatever it is that you do, b/c you are her only role model in that testosterone filled home. She will also have to have things a certain way at times, and will insist upon it; a kind of precursor of organization skills that she will hone over time. She may end up being girly-girl as it may be a refreshing change for her from all the ruckus, or not. I do know she will be very well protected and cared for by her older brothers, though!! In that respect, I almost feel sorry for the meddling that will occur...firsthand experience there! Arrgh.

Hope this helps!

J.

I grew up with 2 brothers, and I am now 33. I have FINALLY learned that women can be friends, and fun. I grew up a little rougher than some of my counterparts, and that's okay! Just know that while you didn't have the "ideal" family, you are a different parent than your mom, and your husband is different from his folks, too! You are an all new family, and I have no doubt that he'll instinctively treat that little girl just right, as will you. By the way, my 2nd is a little girl, too, and I sort of wondered the same things you are wondering.
Just relax and get ready to welcome that little sweet pea!
A.

I have a 16 year old step daughter that I didn't get until she was 6, a 6 1/2 and 5 year old sons and a just 4 daughter. There have been huge differences between the boys and my little girl. The boys play much more aggressively and LOUDLY, but my daughter manages to keep up. She seems to bring out the louder and more aggressive ways of friend's daughters when we have play dates, but also understands her boundaries and those around her. I would say she is a tom boy in playing methods, but is still very much into the girly dolls and barbies, beanie babies, pretend makeup, beautiful princess dresses. I bet your daughter will love her big brothers and they will do a great job watching over their new baby sister and teaching her all about boy stuff when the time comes. Have fun! Oh, and about all the pink... she will gravitate toward it naturally! :)

I have 2 girls and a boy between them. In a number of ways boys and girls are the different and in a number of ways they are the same. Though there is a decent chance she won't be rough and tumble, you might see as she grows up does if she like cars, trains, building blocks and the like. As she is older check into soccor, volleyball, fishing,various mechincal things, and wood crafts.

Just relax. I'm sure you will know what to do. Your instincts will kick in and you'll be fine.

I grew up with only sisters and now I have a girl and a boy. The boy was a big shock for me not ever having any or being around them. I now provide in home daycare and most of the kids I care for are between 6months and 4years. The biggest difference I can see is that as a baby girls are easier to care for. They did not try to get into everything and are less demanding of my attention. Most of the girls I care for enjoy playing typical girl things like dolls, house and dressup. They also love when my husband chases them and has tickle fights with them. The boys grow easier to care for by about age 3 when they start getting all independent.

We learned the hard way that a girl will act like a sissy only if you allow it. When our daughter gets hurt or thinks she is she cries and is really loud and dramatic. Since about 3yrs old she has been. We have recently begun to ignore the drama and it is getting much better. So the best advice I have for you is treat her like you do the other kids. She will be as tough as you let her be and still plenty dainty as girls should be. Good luck and congratulations.

Okay, K.--I'm not sure my advice will count as well as the human moms' here--my only children have four legs and tails--but I will do my best.
Your daughter-to-be will not be Girl, she will be *a* girl. And she will be an individual, just like you were. There will be no exact repeat of her ever again, no matter how she turns out. Dress her and/or play with her as you (and Dad) see fit--she will let you know how she likes it. That's what my gut is telling me. I know all my babies--fur babies as they have been--have been complete individuals. I took a psychology class in human development once and the teacher said that contrary to earlier psychological thinking, NO child is a "blank slate." To quote her: "Babies come with STUFF!"

I.O.W., (in other words): your girl, whatever she's like, will be her OWN version of "girl." There is no one right way to be a girl. Let her show you what she likes. That's straight from the gut--again, I repeat, I have NO human mothering experience.

Love and peace,
L.

You are funny. I only have a baby son, but I am a woman with way too many brothers and boy cousins. I don't think my family treated me any differently especially as an infant. As your daughter grows older she will teach you how to treat her. Stereotypically girls are easier (calmer) and also are better with language, but that won't be an issue at first.