Your Child's Personality and Temperament

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Hello, everyone. Today, I want to talk about children and their personality. Most times, we ignore these little ones when we make the big decisions, we forget that they feel as much as we do and that neglecting them can either make or mar their development. Other times, we just get confused on what to do, especially when we do not understand their reactions to certain things. And what do scared parents do? They panic. The decisions they make at that very moment, sometimes hurt the child more. This post will focus on ways to help identify your child’s temperament and personality.

In a lay man’s term, temperament are those behaviours, habits or patterns that makes a person different from other people. They are those things that makes one unique.

_{Temperament is a set of in-born traits that organize the child's approach to the world. They are instrumental in the development of the child's distinct personality. These traits also determine how the child goes about learning about the world around him. These traits appear to be relatively stable from birth.}

Understanding your child’s temperament and personality is a huge step in understanding their needs. Children are different, even identical twins. Treating them the same way emotionally can be dangerous. Each child has that particular thing which sets him/her apart from the rest of the group. I’ll be focusing on the introvert, the extrovert and the hyperactive child – and possible ways to handle them.

The Introvert Child.

The introvert child is the quiet one. The child is just happy sitting in a corner reading, listening to music or just observing everyone. They can be moody at times, so you have to watch them to make sure they are okay. Introversion is not sadness or shyness. A lot of people misunderstand that. An introverted person just doesn’t fancy the noise and the party. They like being alone in their own little world. Please, make sure your child’s quietness isn’t as a result of abuse or harassment. That could happen a lot especially when the abuser is someone they fear. Talk to them all the time and watch for changes in their moods too. Handling an introvert child is not very easy. They may not give you all the problem in the world buy you have to be alert all the time, making sure they’re fine.

Here are a few tips that might help:

• Acceptance: Understanding and that your child is an introvert and therefore not weird goes a long way in accepting them. You can’t really parent a child you don’t fully accept. If you are an extrovert yourself, it may be a little difficult to put together. Study your child and accept them for who they are.

• Support: Know that your child’s temperament is due to biology. It’s not something that can be changed. You can however, support their decisions and guide them into making the right ones . Let them know that you are there for them.

• Introduce them to new things slowly: The introvert child gets overwhelmed easily. While you may want your child to take part more in social activities, know the limit. Do not push too hard. They’ll adjust in their own time.

• Be observant: Point it out when they end of doing something they were afraid of. Be patient with them too and encourage them all the time.

• Talk to teachers: The school teacher may complain that your child isn’t really participating in the school social activities. Talk to the teacher. Instead of telling him/her to let your child be, you can help them understand the introvert nature and ways to handle it.

• Listen: Always make your child feel heard. Know that they may not ask for your help all the time. Encourage them to speak up all listen attentively.

The Extrovert Child.

The extrovert child is the outgoing one. They have no problem adapting to changes and making new friends. When an introvert child is not happy about something, you’ll definitely know about it. They are energetic and always lively. That doesn’t mean they are okay being left on their own. Their lively nature may mask a lot of things they are feeling if you are not paying attention. Talk to them all the time and encourage them to share what they are feeling.

Here are a few ways to handle them:

• Let your extrovert be extrovert: Sometimes, parents may think that their child is too energetic and tries to cut down the activities. Let your extrovert child be a child. Don’t try to change or stifle them, rather, help them turn that energy into something beautiful and productive.

• Extroverts process information externally: Remember that an extrovert child thinks while speaking or after speaking. They say it as it is. Don’t assume that they’ve thought about it before saying it. Help them. You can turn the happy chatter into a meaningful conversation.

• Emotional batteries: Extroverts recharge their emotional batteries by being with people. Encourage their time with friends. Also know that because they are outgoing doesn’t mean they don’t needed time alone sometimes. Encourage that too.

The Hyperactive Child.

The hyperactive child is whom I call the noisy one. They are the most energetic of them all. They can combine multiple activities at a time without breaking a sweat. Ignore them, and they would be playing on top of the TV, eating and doing their homework at the same time. Their energy is not abnormal. It’s who they are. What you have to do is watch them constantly to make sure they aren’t doing what they shouldn’t , and also to slow them down without stifling them.

Here are few ways that might help:

• Channel the energy: A hyperactive child has a lot going on at the same time. Try to channel that energy into something good. It could be a sport they love. Introduce them to new things that will help them burn the energy.

• Free time: In as much as that energy needs control sometimes, there are also times they need to feel free. Let them run around and play. They are children after all.

• Talk to them in a simple manner: A hyperactive child is not abnormal. It’s just too much energy at work. Talk to them all the time. Help them understand that they are fine and that nothing is wrong with them. Listen to them too.

• Help them relax: At the end of the day, your child may need help to quiet down. You can read to them or do that particular thing you know will definitely help them to relax. Don’t forget to not push them.

In the end, every child is different from the next. You just have to find out what works for your child and work with it.

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