A boisterous boy will be entering primary school as the only boy in an all-girls class. Is his mother right to be worried? Dr Pat Spungin looks at the pros and cons of this unusual situation.

Raisingkids member's problem
My little boy is starting school in September, and at the induction this week I was shocked to discover that it seems he will be the only boy in his class. It is a very small school - only one class for each year and about 10 children in his class. He has always got on better with boys in pre-school and likes boisterous, physical play, sports, etc. The school itself is wonderful - I couldn't wish for a better school - and the staff are great. Do you think this will adversely affect his education or social interaction and happiness?

Dr Spungin's advice
When children are in their early years, they are fairly unisex in their friendships. This changes around the time of entering junior school as they elect to spend more time with their own sex. If your son is a very ‘boy’s boy’ this all-girl environment may have a good effect, tempering his exuberance and helping him with his concentration. But be on the lookout for any tendency for the teachers to label him a ‘naughty boy’, having only ‘good girls’ to compare him with.

Boy Zone
It’s good that you’re aware of this imbalance before he starts school. That means you can make plans to balance things out for him through out-of-school activities – enrolling him in a football team etc.

• Read Dr Spungin's Archived Answers