Two sets of meta-analyses examined gender effects on parents' observed language with their children. Findings indicated that mothers talked more, used more supportive and negative speech, and less directive and informing speech than fathers. Mothers talked more and used more supportive speech with daughters than sons. Effect sizes depended on…

This article summarizes a study of the parenting behaviors that men and women from 3 age groups (ages 16-34, 35-59, and 60-93 years) considered to be most important or most detrimental for constructive child rearing. A total of 90 male and 90 female residents in rural northern Minnesota and an equal number in rural northwestern Illinois formed the…