TEMPERAMENTAL
raits T
Temperament is the part of a person’s character that affects their moods and the way they behave. There are nine traits within temperament: Intensity, Rosie persistence, sensitivity, distractibility, adaptability, regularity, reactivity, energetic and outlook. We all sit somewhere between ‘very’ and ‘not at all’ for each of these traits. For example, think about the trait of adaptability: are you very adaptable or not adaptable at all? Do you struggle when plans change? Or do you happily go with the flow? What about sensitivity? Are you very sensitive or not at all? Do low level noises keep you awake at 46 somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES
night? Or can you sleep through anything? By adulthood, we have usually learned to modify our temperament and we can make choices about our life for ourselves that suit our temperament. Children, however, need support. Understanding your child’s temperament can help you to parent more effectively. Let’s consider the trait of persistence: Is your child very persistent or not at all? I have one child who is extremely persistent. She will not accept no for an answer and will continue to ask for something with dogged determination, even though I rarely give into her. My other daughter isn’t persistent at all; she will accept my decision (not always graciously) but will move on without mentioning the issue again. I don’t need to say which child is easier to parent! But what if I was to re-frame my thinking? Instead of thinking of my highly persistent
