Baby&Toddlermotherandbaby.co.uk | April 2020 | 55Your
little star
After you’ve discovered the ratings for
your child on each of the seven temperaments,
figure out how each one serves as a strength for
him. Identifying how your child’s tendencies are an
asset can alter your perspective – helping you to be
more patient, reducing conflict, and creating new ways
to celebrate and build upon his qualities. So, for example,
if your child is quick to approach strangers, he’ll be ready
for developing friendships. Next up, consider how you
can balance your child’s temperaments. Consider Albert
Einstein, who, as a child, was easily frustrated. His
parents recognised that he was highly curious, so
they introduced him to new people and situations
that would stimulate his imagination. They
cultivated his natural tendencies as assets,
and offered specific skill-building
opportunities in areas he
needed support.
Understanding how your
child’s temperament profile is
different from your own can give you
greater empathy. If he’s a little bit country
and you’re a whole lot of rock and roll, then
there are adjustments to be made so that you
don’t clash on a daily basis. For example, if you’re
outgoing but he’s shy, you can still introduce him
to new things – but move at his slower pace. You
might need to adjust your morning routine to
acknowledge your child’s tempo – for example,
by agreeing on clothing ahead of time. This
doesn’t have to mean changing who you
are. Infact,learningfromyourchild
andadjustingyourselfcanbe
your biggeb g estachievement.