Temperament

Consider your childs different personality traits and get an understanding as to why they behave the way they do and why it can sometimes be really annoying!!

Each of us is born with personality traits. Our unique temperamental patterns may remain relatively consistent over time or change. Our temperament will influence our behaviour as well as our relationships with others. There are no good or bad characteristics. Have a look at each child individually and determine how their personality interacts with yours.

Activity Levels– High or Low
Do you have high or low activity levels when dressing, playing or eating or at bath time? Some people will venture into these activities with full gusto while others will be calmer and more meditative.

Rhythm - Regular or Irregular
Do you like the regularity of sleep, meal times, etc, and it puts you out of sorts if they are disrupted? Or are you happy to go with the flow whatever the environment?

Reaction to the new - Approach or Withdraw
Do you like to jump right into new situations, places and people, or would you prefer to sit back and observe before participating.

Adjustment to change – Easy or Difficult
Is it easy or difficult to adapt or adjust to new or different routines or situations?

Intensity of reaction – High or Low
When you are frustrated, cry or laugh how intense is it?

Mood - Pleasant or Moody
Thinking about when you are waking, going to bed or general attitude would you say your general disposition is pleasant, joyful and friendly, or quiet, slightly glum and moody?

Distractibility – High or Low
Are you easily distracted from a task if there is loud music playing? Then your distractibility is high. If you can concentrate when all hell is breaking loose then your distractibility is low.

Attention span - High or Low
How long can you concentrate or stick with a task when there are obstacles or difficulties?

If your personalities are similar to your child you may find that it annoys you when they react like you do and you might try really hard to change that, alternatively if your child does not react the same as you, it might be frustrating that they are so different!

Consider these different personality traits and then consider those of your children, it can enhance our relationship with them as we have a better understanding of who they are and why they react the way they do.

Share the information with your children, but talk only of positive characteristics, turn any negative ones like cry baby or clingy to caring or emotional.

When we show our children their uniqueness we are enhancing their growth both spiritually and emotionally.