84. Leonard Sax, MD: How Sex Differences Impact Brains, Behaviors, and Child Development

What this episode covers

The esteemed Dr. Leonard Sax joins us this week to share his expertise on how sex differences impact child-rearing, parenting, and education. We begin with a discussion of biological differences between male and female brains, particularly when it comes to sense perception, which can lead to misunderstandings between the sexes. Dr. Sax highlights the importance of understanding these differences in order to optimize children’s learning and home environments.The conversation then shifts to the topic of gender atypicality and how parents and educators might embrace the richness and complexity of the human experience, allowing children to explore their interests and preferences without being labeled transgender.We discuss the challenges faced by boys in today's society, including the growing gender gap in academic achievements, and how teachers can cater to the unique developmental needs of both sexes in co-ed schools.Dr. Sax provides practical advice for parents and educators on how to navigate sex differences and create a culture of respect and understanding. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of gender expression, while also respecting biological differences.Leonard Sax MD PhD is a board-certified family physician and PhD psychologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience. Over the past 22 years, he has visited more than 500 schools across the United States and worldwide, speaking to parents about many topics including social media, video games, and gender issues. He also leads workshops for teachers on gender-aware instructional strategies, on building a culture of respect, and on dealing with difficult parents. He has published four books for parents: Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift, Girls on the Edge, and The Collapse of Parenting, which was a New York Times bestseller. Dr. Sax graduated Phi Beta Kappa at age 19 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and went on to earn both a Ph.D. in psychology and an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sax lives with his wife and teenage daughter in Pennsylvania. Visit his website at leonardsax.com.Dr. Sax’s four books can all be found in my bookshop or via these Amazon affiliate links below. Thank you for your purchases that support the show!Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men Girls on the Edge: Why So Many Girls Are Anxious, Wired, and Obsessed--And What Parents Can Do The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups 00:00 Start[00:02:26] Hardwired sex differences in senses.[00:05:23] Sex differences in hearing.[00:08:06] Women's Peripheral Vision and Men's Magnocellular System.[00:11:23] Boys and bullying.[00:14:34] Color naming gender differences.[00:18:01] Color naming ability in children.[00:21:30] Girls value friendship above team affiliation.[00:24:57] School culture and music influence.[00:28:52] Growing gender gap in achievement.[00:32:49] Making school friendly to boys.[00:37:14] Brain development differences in genders.[00:41:05] Pervasive and troubling pornography.[00:43:10] Rise in erectile dysfunction.[00:48:28] Empowering young women's experiences.[00:52:19] Disorders of sexual development.[00:57:37] Intersex conditions and prevalence.[00:59:41] Intersex being misunderstood.[01:06:22] Intersex individuals and gender identity.[01:09:11] XY male fetus and intersex.[01:13:48] Personality traits and sex differences.[01:19:48] Trans issues and stereotypes.[01:22:15] Emotional development in girls.[01:24:49] Teaching empathy to boys.[01:28:14] Creating healthy role models.[01:34:18] Autogynephilia and transgender issues.[01:39:15] Transgender issues in current society.[01:40:56] Lawsuit against American Academy of Pediatrics.[01:43:04] Humans and grandkids.[01:47:26] Disastrous laws allowing kids. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? 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