Childhood Temperament Types
“Every child is a different kind of flower, and together they make this world a beautiful garden”
A child’s temperament can impact how they experience the world around them and relationships with their caregivers, teachers and peers. Temperament types are not cemented but are fluid as a child moves through developmental phases. A large influence on temperament is the caregivers own temperament and their perception of the child’s temperament. Mismatches in temperament between children and their caregivers can result in feelings of frustration, failure and incompetence. Read on to learn about the different temperament types and their effects on the caregiver-child relationship.
Easy Temperament
Easily adaptable to change, predictable mood and biological rhythms are highlights of this temperament type. Feelings are experienced and displayed in softened ways compared to their peers. Caregivers likely feel confident and accomplished. Risks of this temperament type include being overlooked or pushed beyond their developmental capacities due to their easy nature.
High Activity Temperament
Attracted to new stimuli and seemingly constant movement are primary characteristics of this temperament type. Caregivers of these children often experience criticism from others for not controlling their child’s behaviors. High activity temperament types seem to plunge into any new experiences without looking back and do not usually conform to the “safe base” parameters of their caregivers.
Intense Temperament
Difficulties adapting to change, intense emotional reactions and unpredictable behaviors make this temperament type challenging for caregivers. Especially when caregivers have trouble regulating their own emotions during moments of their child’s intense emotions. However, these children often notice things about situations that others ignore making them keen observers of their surroundings and their caregivers. Children with this temperament type are at risk of feeling “bad” or “unloveable” because of their caregivers reactions to intense emotions and behaviors.
Slow-to-warm-up Temperament
Withdrawing when presented with new experiences and slow to adapt to change, these children may need additional time to observe and process events. Usually mild emotional reactions can quickly escalate when they are pushed beyond their limits. Caregiver responses to “shyness” intensely effect how the child perceives or internalizes their hesitations.
Read more about temperament types in The Emotional Life of the Toddler by Alicia Lieberman.