Temperament can be defined as genetic characteristics that are unchanged throughout our lives, regardless of the environmental and social influences. We can start to determine the temperament of a child, as early as age four month. It is important for parents to understand the temperament of their children as soon as possible, so they can adapt better. We can define temperament as an enduring trait on how people approach the world. Temperament can be seen as the core element of our personality, because it’s permanent and doesn’t change. By knowing temperament, parents will know how approach their children better. Here are things parents should do to determine the temperament of their children:
- Check activity level: Check activity level of children during eating, play, sleep and other routine activities. This will determine whether children tend to be active or inactive.
- Check regularity: By observing how children respond to daily events, parents can check the regularity of their children’s behaviors. During school age, regularity can affect organization and consistency. Parents can see whether children manage their possessions and toys well. This will determine whether children are predictable or less predictable.
- Check initial reaction: Check how children react to new food, places, people and routines. Children may poke, refuse or openly accept new foods. This will determine whether children are inhibited or bold.
- Check adaptability: Parents can see the initial reactions of their children. This refers to the way children adjust after their initial responses. Check whether children make transition quickly enough. It is a good thing if children can make a choice quicker and respond to last minute changes. This will determine whether children are gradual or quick.
- Check intensity: This refers to the amount of energy that children allocate into a typical response. Check how their respond to frustration, surprise, failure, praise and disappointment. This will determine whether children are mild or gradual.
- Check mood: Mood is the overall emotional patterns that children have. This will determine whether children are generally positive or negative.
- Check distractibility: Parents can observe how children tune out to people, sounds and sights. Check whether children can do their activities without being distracted by external stimuli. This will determine whether children are persistent. However, some children are distracted easily, but very quickly return to the task at hand, so parents need to observe more carefully.
- Check sensitivity: Parents should determine the amount of stimulation needed to attract the response of their children. This will determine whether children are sensitive or nonreactive.
Temperament is essentially the core of personality. It isn’t about right or wrong. Parents should accept the temperament of their children just the way it is. By understanding the temperament of their children, parents can define the potential pitfalls and strengths of their children. Any mismatch could cause potential problems and discord. By understanding the temperament of their children early, parents can adapt and adjust more easily. This list isn’t intended to replace professional assessment, but parents should have a good idea on how to properly manage their relationships with children.