At what age do children generally start to exhibit gender identity?

Children typically start to exhibit gender identity around the ages of 2 to 3 years. During this developmental stage, children begin to understand and label themselves in terms of gender, as well as recognize the gender of others. They may show preferences for certain toys, activities, and playmates that align with cultural notions of gender. Additionally, this is the time when they may start to express their gender identity verbally, referring to themselves and others using gender-specific terms and showing preferences that relate to their understanding of what it means to be a boy or a girl.

This early recognition and expression of gender identity are foundational as they continue to develop and explore their gender roles in later years. By the time children reach 4 to 5 years, they might become more pronounced in their views and can engage in more complex gender-related play. However, the initial awareness and expression typically emerges during the 2 to 3-year range.