Understanding Your Child’s Temperament

How often have you heard a child described as “easy” or “difficult” or “shy until you get to know her?” These casual labels all refer to characteristics of temperament, those traits that influence how your child reacts in various situations.

Researchers have described nine temperament traits which individually, or in combination, affect how well your child fits in at school, with peers, and even at home. Temperament influences how teachers, peers, and family relate to her, as well as how she relates to them. Your child’s temperament directly affects how she approaches her schoolwork and chores at home.

When a child’s natural behavior doesn’t fit with what is expected, social, family, or academic problems may arise. For a child with an identified learning disability (LD) or behavior issues, her particular temperament may help her achieve success more easily or it may compound her difficulties.

Behaviors for each temperament trait described below fall along a continuum. Responses toward either the high or low end — while still completely normal — may be cause for concern.”

Your child’s temperament: 9 basic traits to consider
This article can help you better understand your child as well as how to more effectively engage them through natural strengths and weaknesses. [greatschools.org]

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For Further Information:

Getting to the Heart of Your Child’s Behavior (Link from FamilyLife)

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