Understanding Child Temperament: Considerations from Play Therapy

“It appears that children are born with a tendency to act and react to people and events in their lives in specific ways that can be identified and predicted. The reactions are relatively consistent for each child in different situations and at different times. This preferred style of responding—a child’s first and most natural way of reacting to the world around him is called his temperament.” (pg. 25 Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of Raising Your Spirited Child.)

Introduction: The Influence of Temperament on Child Development

Temperament, often described as the innate characteristics that shape an individual's personality, plays a significant role in child development. Originating from the pioneering work of Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas at New York University Medical Center in the 1950s, the concept of temperament underscores the interplay between genetics and environmental factors in shaping who a child becomes.

Nature vs. Nurture: A Continuing Debate

The debate surrounding the extent to which genetics versus environment influences personality continues to be a topic of interest and study. While there is no definitive formula, acknowledging both factors is crucial, especially in the context of parenting. Understanding a child's temperament helps parents to tailor their approach to meet their child's unique needs more effectively.

It is not uncommon that one or both parents have a different temperament than their child or children. It is widely accepted that opposites do attract. So, for example, an introverted person may be very attracted to the characteristics of an extroverted partner. If these differences get passed down genetically to the children, what works well for a parent may not be best suited for their child.

Key Characteristics of Temperament

Temperament encompasses a spectrum of traits including energy level, adaptability to change, intensity of emotions, and sensitivity to stimuli such as sights, sounds, and textures. These characteristics provide insights into how children perceive and interact with their surroundings. We know that there are many genetic and biological factors that greatly influence these areas and neurodiversity continues to be an important consideration when assessing child temperament.

Embracing Diversity: Positive Aspects of Each Temperament

It's essential to recognize that temperament traits are neither inherently good nor bad. Each temperament type offers both strengths and challenges for the child and for the parent who is trying to parent through these temperament differences. For instance, a child with high intensity may demonstrate passion and creativity, while also requiring more support when learning how to manage their strong emotions. The more subdued parent may find the intensity of their child especially difficult and reject this behavioural difference rather than offering the necessary support.

Harnessing Understanding: Parental Role in Nurturing Temperament

Although parents cannot alter a child's temperament, they can play a pivotal role in fostering the best supportive environment. By deeply understanding their child's temperament, parents can align their parenting strategies to capitalize on the strengths of that child, guide their development positively, and help the child build self-acceptance of their strengths and challenges. Differences can learn to be embraced rather than judged or criticized as wrong.

Nine Temperamental Traits: A Framework Improved Understanding

  1. Intensity: How strongly does your child react emotionally? Are their responses energetic or more subdued?
  2. Persistence: When engaged in an activity, does your child persist or easily shift focus when asked to stop?
  3. Sensitivity: How aware is your child of sensory stimuli like noises, temperature changes, or textures?
  4. Perceptiveness: To what extent does your child notice details in their environment, such as people, colours, or sounds?
  5. Adaptability: How quickly does your child adjust to changes in routines or unexpected situations?
  6. Regularity: Does your child prefer predictable schedules for eating, sleeping, and other routines?
  7. Energy Level: Is your child typically more active or more sedentary?
  8. First Reaction: What is your child's initial response to new people, activities, or ideas?
  9. Mood: How consistently does your child exhibit positive or negative moods?

Introversion vs. Extroversion: Understanding Energy Sources

An important aspect of temperament is whether a child recharges through solitary activities (introversion) or gains energy from social interactions (extroversion). Recognizing and respecting these preferences within families can help manage conflicts and meet individual needs more effectively. An extroverted parent may promote group recreational activities for their introverted child believing they are better than solo activities or spend the significant amounts family down time socializing. With so much focus on extroverted activities, this child may become frustrated and overwhelmed with insufficient time for the quiet recharge time they need for their energy system.

Managing Parent-Child Dynamics: Using the P.O.W.E.R. Approach

Predict: Anticipate your child's likely reactions to situations.

Organize: Structure the environment to support your child's temperament.

Work Together: Collaborate with your child, communicate clearly, and respect their temperament needs.

Enjoy the Rewards: Celebrate achievements and milestones, fostering a positive parent-child relationship.

Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Child Temperament

Understanding and appreciating the uniqueness of each child's temperament is key to nurturing their development, lowering the stress of parenting while fostering healthy relationships within the family. By applying insights from temperament research and adopting supportive parenting strategies, caregivers can empower children to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Final Thoughts

While temperament provides a foundational understanding of a child's personality, it is essential to approach it with flexibility and empathy. By embracing the diversity of temperamental traits and leveraging this knowledge in parenting practices, caregivers can create an environment where children feel understood, supported, and capable of achieving their full potential.