Effect of Maternal Time Inputs on Child Outcomes: Does the Gender Matter?

Even though time inputs are more productive than monetary investments, little is known about how maternal time inputs vary by gender, and how they affect child outcomes in lower-income countries with a strong preference for male children. This paper examines the relationship between a child’s gender and maternal time investment in Nepal. We find no evidence of differential maternal time investment by gender in a sample of preschool children. Mothers equally invest not only in structural activities such as singing and taking children outside, but also in educational activities like reading and storytelling. Son preferences among Nepalese mothers, therefore, may not be an actual preference, but rather may arise due to cultural and social constraints. In addition, we find that maternal time input is an important determinant of a child’s cognitive and behavioral outcomes, implying that mothers may be the pivotal link to help young girls catch up with young boys in later life.