If the temperament, that is to say the character traits resulting from our constitution, is determined from birth, it can also change with the environment of the child.
- There are 9 temperament traits in children that influence their emotions, their relationships with others, their level of activity and also their adaptability to novelty.
- As a parent, and despite your own feelings, it is important to respect your child’s temperament and adapt to him to facilitate his development and his relationships.
- Personality is different from temperament because it develops as the child grows.
A child’s temperament influences both his emotions, his relationships with others, his level of activity but also his adaptability to novelty. If he inherits part of it, he can also be influenced by the environment in which he grows up.
There are 9 temperament traits
The traits of the child’s temperament help to better understand his behavior:
• His mood, ie his ability to be cheerful and friendly or on the contrary easily upset.
• His reactions to something positive or negative.
• His ability to concentrate, including during external stimuli.
• His reaction to his 5 senses.
• Its adaptability in the event of change.
• His reaction to something new.
• Their level of daily activity.
• His propensity for routine.
• His perseverance in following certain objectives.
The role of parents on the child’s temperament
If the parents have an influence on the temperament of their child it is because they adapt to his way of being. For example, a child who follows his routine and adapts easily will generate more benevolent behavior in the parents. On the other hand, a child who cries a lot and is angry can cause impatience in his parents.
This is why, despite your own feelings, it is important to respect your child’s temperament and adapt to him to facilitate his development and his relationships. It is also a good way to teach him to better function with his own temperament even if he is difficult.
Differentiate with personality
Unlike temperament, personality develops as a child grows, particularly during adolescence and again in young adulthood. It will then be rather constant and will be built on the temperament but also according to the events of life.
Personality can be identified through behavior and the management of emotions. We can be extroverted or not, warm or cold, or even anxious or calm.
Find out more: “From temperament to character” by Alexandre Dianine-Havard.
