Adolescent boys feel more supported by their parents than their female counterparts, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Education (NIE). This finding highlights significant differences in how boys and girls perceive parental support during their formative years.
Understanding the Key Findings
What the NIE Study Reveals
The NIE study surveyed 5,441 Secondary 1 students across 28 schools in 2023. It explored various forms of parental support—socio-emotional, autonomy, academic expectations, and school support. Boys feel more supported by their parents in these areas compared to girls of the same age. For every two boys who reported high levels of parental support, only one girl did the same.
Dr. Melvin Chan, who led the study, explained, “Girls often have different perceptions of parental support than boys. This difference may stem from the distinct ways boys and girls communicate and express their needs.”
Why Boys Feel More Supported
Ms Tunitha Reku, 44, with her children Lashell Nishan Pillai, 14, Dashnelle Nishan Pillai, 13 and Leshawn Nishan Pillai, 15. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS TUNITHA REKU via The Straits Times
Boys tend to perceive higher socio-emotional and autonomy support. They often prefer direct, straightforward interactions and less detailed discussions. Ms Tunitha Reku, a mother of two boys and two girls, observed, “Whatever my son discusses with me is usually on the surface; he doesn’t go into details. But my daughters like to have detailed discussions.”
This pattern aligns with the study’s findings that boys generally feel their parents offer adequate support, while girls might feel the support provided does not meet their specific needs or expectations.
Types of Parental Support
Socio-Emotional and Autonomy Support
The study identified four key types of parental support:
- Socio-emotional Support: Emotional encouragement and nurturing.
- Autonomy Support: Promoting independence and decision-making.
- Academic Expectations: Setting academic goals and standards.
- School Support: Helping with school-related activities and challenges.
Boys often feel they receive sufficient socio-emotional and autonomy support. They may thrive with more autonomy, enjoying the freedom to make decisions and manage their own affairs.
Academic Expectations and School Support
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Despite parents’ assumptions that academic support is uniform, the study highlights gender differences in perception. Boys generally feel more supported in academic and school-related matters, while girls might sense a mismatch between the support offered and their needs.
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Understand Individual Preferences
Recognise that each child is unique. Boys may prefer concise and practical support, whereas girls often value more detailed and emotionally engaging interactions. Tailoring your approach based on your child’s preferences can make a significant difference.
2. Adapt Communication Styles
Adjusting your communication style can bridge the support perception gap. Boys might respond better to direct and action-oriented conversations. For example, you could say, “Let’s tackle your homework together” rather than offering a general “Do your best.” Girls, on the other hand, may appreciate more empathetic and thorough discussions, like, “How did you feel about today’s school project?”
3. Balance Autonomy and Guidance
Encouraging independence while providing necessary guidance is key. Boys may thrive with more autonomy, whereas girls might benefit from closer involvement in their decision-making processes. It’s important to strike a balance that suits each child’s needs.
The Role of Schools
Importance of Home-School Partnership
Schools play a crucial role in supporting adolescents alongside parents. In today’s fast-paced world, parents often juggle work commitments, which can limit their involvement in school-related issues. Dr. Chan emphasises, “A balanced home-school partnership is essential. Schools should complement parental support, especially in academic and developmental areas.”
Quality Support at Home and School
The study underscores the importance of quality support both at home and in school. Parents and schools should collaborate to provide holistic support. This partnership ensures that students receive the guidance they need in all aspects of their lives.
Takeaway
The NIE study provides valuable insights into how adolescent boys feel more supported by their parents compared to girls. Understanding these differences allows parents to provide more effective and tailored support. By recognising and addressing the unique needs of each child, parents can foster a supportive environment that promotes positive development and well-being.
In summary, adjusting communication styles, understanding individual preferences, and balancing autonomy with guidance can significantly impact how children perceive support. Both parents and schools have vital roles in ensuring that all children, regardless of gender, feel adequately supported as they navigate their adolescent years.
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