Q. Overall my son is far less attentive than my daughter and it’s driving me nuts! What can I do?

A. The short answer is change your expectations. Many parents and teachers make the basic error of trying to require the male brain to conform to activity levels typically exhibited by the female brain.

The longer answer is that studies have shown the average boy is physically more active at every age—beginning with gestation—than the average girl. Avoid falling into that trap or, if you’re in it, get out!

When expecting a boy to pay attention (especially if he doesn’t have an auditory sensory preference), give him something to hold in his hands to play with. Sometime playing symphonic music in the background can help him concentrate, as well (although, if both children are in the same environment, the music may distract your daughter).