[Shoshana]

Sharon, you're not stereotyping when you note that boys tend to be more active and rowdy than girls. They are -- there are biological differences in activity level between boys & girls.

I agree with what several of you have stated -- The male continues the family line and the family name. The female does not. I think it easier for our society to accept girls than boys because of the importance we continue to place on bloodlines.

For some anecdotal evidence about 'who's easier.' My sister with 3 boys SWEARS boys are tons easier than girls. I've heard this from many people but I believe they're primarily talking about the pre-teen and teenage years. As a single mom, I just felt more comfortable adopting a girl (yeah, I've always wanted a daughter). I was only raised with sisters. While I really like little boys, when they hit puberty, they're like an alien species to me. I can re-connect again once they reach 20! LOL! (which is a good thing, given my profession!).