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All children have different temperaments, literally from birth. Some are calm and silent, while others, as if to spite their parents, cry loudly, are often capricious and never sit still. And these are only two extremes, and between them there are still thousands or even millions of possible options for the baby’s traits.
Each child is unique, he is born with a unique set of qualities that nature gives him. Among them there are always traits based on which one can understand what the child’s dominant temperament is.
What is a child’s temperament?
It is believed that temperament is a set of mental qualities that are inherent in every person from birth and depend on genetics. Moreover, attention here is paid specifically to reactions, their speed and intensity, one might say, without taking into account the context.
Temperament further manifests itself in the child’s character, which, on the contrary, is formed and changes throughout life, depending on the experience gained. Character is manifested in relationships with others, with oneself, approaches to activities and things.
But let's return to temperament. The theory of temperament types is very old and probably known to many. So, there are only four types of temperament:
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- sanguine,
- choleric
- phlegmatic,
- melancholic.
It is clear that all children in the world cannot be “fitted” into just four types. That is why modern scientists have questions about the theory. However, it is possible to find out which type or types predominate in the baby. In the future, this may help to choose an approach to the child, establish close contact and understand each other.
How to understand that a child is sanguine?
Sanguine people are very active, bright and lively, extroverts by nature. Such children early show interest in people and the world around them. They actively engage in games (which may soon become uninteresting for them), quickly get used to kindergarten and a new environment in general. Their reactions are vivid - these kids are easy to make laugh, but also easy to upset, but the tears pass quickly.
To understand that this type of temperament predominates in a child, observe his reactions. If the baby is easy to make laugh, he is not afraid of new companies and activities, can often get upset, but quickly calms down, moves a lot, then most likely the dominant type of temperament of the child is sanguine.
Parents should praise and encourage such a child, and also help him with concentration and perseverance.
How to understand that a child is choleric?
Choleric people are also very energetic, even restless. Such children can be capricious a lot, begin to argue with age, and defend their desires to the very end. They can be quick-tempered, and their reactions can even be unpredictable. It seems that it is the choleric child who sets the rules in the family.
You can understand that choleric qualities predominate in a baby by the speed of his reactions. Usually this is a bright, even violent and very quick response to external stimuli. Before you have time to understand anything, the child is already crying with all his might or, on the contrary, laughing. They quickly become independent and become irritated when their freedom of action is limited. It is literally difficult for them to sit still for a long time.
Parents of children with predominant choleric traits should at least try to give them freedom of expression and decision-making. Try to get used to its pace, but at the same time maintain an atmosphere of calm in the house.
How to understand that a child is phlegmatic?
Phlegmatic people are usually called very calm, reasonable introverted people. Such children show rather slow and dull reactions. A phlegmatic child is able to remain calm even in stressful situations; he seems very well-mannered and flexible from a very early age. It takes a long time to get used to new things, it is difficult for him to make acquaintances, tasks of imagination and decision-making.
The characteristics of phlegmatic people are precisely unshakable calm and stability, even some slowness of reactions. It is these qualities that will help to conclude that this particular type of temperament is dominant for a child.
Parents of phlegmatic children are advised not to demand high speed from them - such children need time. It is worth helping to develop imagery and imagination, engage in creativity and active games.
How to understand that a child is melancholic?
Melancholic people are impressionable and vulnerable, soft and kind. They do not often show violent reactions, rather restrained and even quiet. It is also difficult for them to make a choice, and in an unfamiliar environment they get lost. Such children are very attached to adults (but not to everyone), expect a lot of care and warmth from them, and are capable of giving it from an early age.
Vulnerability and touchiness, a vivid experience of failures will become clear signs that a melancholic temperament predominates in a child. Sometimes these children are called “little adults” for their thoughtfulness, understanding and ability to give care. Melancholic children are very creative, but often closed.
Parents should support such children in case of defeat and help them overcome difficulties. Emphasize his strengths and strengthen self-esteem. And also engage in creativity together, talk about feelings and give a lot of warmth.
How does temperament affect a child with age?
As we have already noted, “pure” melancholics or cholerics do not exist in principle. Every child has a mixed type of temperament, in which one or even two of them are more pronounced.
However, these types do not in any way affect success, for example, in school. They only determine the characteristics of the reactions. Having noticed them, the child’s results can be improved by choosing a program and learning speed that suits him, teachers and the classes themselves.