boys and girls...are they different?

sounds like a stupid question, huh?  it is a stupid question.  of course they are different!  they are more different than any one man could ever imagine!

so, let me narrow my question.  as a father, do you parent them differently?  do you treat them differently with punishment?  do they have the same rules?  

honestly, i dont notice treating them any differently...most of the time.  my kids are 4 years apart so they are at different stages.  and they dont understand what one does the other one may not be able to.  i dont know how to accurately explain to them that they are in different stages and while it might not seem fair, it really is fair.  anyway, the following story will shed some light on my situation.  

well...tonight, i got my answer as to if i am treating them differently.  long story short, at dinner we told them both in order to get dessert they needed to try something new.  they didnt have to eat it all, they just had to try it.  eric did pretty good.  well, he stepped up and said he would try cooked carrots.  it took him 10 minutes to chew up the tiniest piece, but he did try something new.

kinley on the other hand wasnt having any of it.  this child does not eat but a hand full of things.  seriously, at day care they circle what she ate...most days NONE is circled on all most all things except bread and milk.  anyway, she would not try anything.  she cried and cried.  i put her dessert right in front of her face to try and bargain with her...still no dice. ONE BITE, i pleaded.  tears is all i got.

i admire my kids stubbornness.  i know where they got it, their mom! ha  so, i gave in and if she went outside to play with her mom and brother after dinner, then she couldnt have a dunkin donut like her brother, but she could have a piece of freshly made banana bread.

well, eric caught wind of this travesty and he had some words for his mom.  he asked kim, "how come sister doesnt have to always do what she is supposed to.  but she still gets her way when she cries.  IT IS LIKE SHE HYPNOTIZES YOU GUYS WHEN SHE CRIES!"   all we could do is laugh and say guilty.

let me know if you have any stories...or advice!