The emergence of sex-role stereotypes in dependency behaviors exhibited toward day care teachers by male and female toddlers was explored. Communication and interaction attempts, or bids, that 25 male and 25 female toddlers from low income families in day care made toward their teachers were analyzed. Instrumental bids requesting help were significantly more frequent for males. Expressive bids were equally present for boys and girls, but these bids were found to differ in type. Specifically, girls made more positive affectional approaches, while boys made significantly more distress/negative bids. Females were ignored by caregivers more often than males. It was suggested that caregivers may need to help male toddlers find more appropriate ways to meet their needs for nurturance from adults. (Author/RH)