Understanding your temperament and your child’s temperament will help you determine what works best for your child. You may be wondering why your child reacts to situations, people, places, environments and the daily routine they way he/she does and how it differs from other children you know. This article will help you determine each temperament and how to help support your child specifically. Temperament is something that can’t be changed so it is very important to know the traits of temperament to know how to best support your child and enjoy your time together!
9 Temperament Traits
-activity level (low to high)
-biological rhythms (regular and irregular)
-approach/withdraw
-adaptability
-mood (positive to negative)
-intensity of reaction (high to low)
-sensitivity (light, sound, touch)
-distractibility
-persistence
Three basic categories of temerament
Fearful Traits (AKA-cautious, slow to warm, observant) (15%)
-Slow to adapt
-Withdraws
How to support-go slowly, slowly guide them towards independence, give them lots of time, foreshadow, provide support of physical closeness, draw child in, provide consistency, provide a primary caregiver, consistent room arrangment
Feisty (AKA-difficult, active)
-active
-intense
-distractable
-sensitive (to touch, light, sound etc.)
-irregular (may need flexibility in scheduling meals, diapering, and sleep)
-moody
How to support- use redirection, empathy, redirection of attention, validation, plan transitions carefully, prepare child for change by foreshadowing what is to come, provide open opportunities for vigorous/active play, make the most of quiet moments
Flexible (AKA-easy) (40%)
-regular rhythms
-positive mood
-quick to adapt
-low intensity
-low sensitivity
How to support- check in with these children regularly, set aside time to give special attention
SOURCE: The Program for Infant and Toddler Caregivers
