Why is this important?

• Your child is born with a unique temperament.

• Understanding your child's temperament can help you manage your child's reactions and behavior.

Temperament is another way to describe personality style. Temperament is individual to each person- and influences how people manage their actions and emotions.

Your child's temperament (combined with your own temperament) can make it feel "easier" or "more challenging" to parent your child. 

Knowing the basic temperament types helps to explain why your child behaves in certain ways. When you have a sense of you child's temperament, you can play to their strengths while teaching your child to interact with the world around them.  

SENSITIVE 

• quiet

• often watches before doing (observant)

• prefers routines (and bothered by change)

• may be slower to warm up to new people and new situations

EASYGOING

• accepts change (and new situations) without too much fuss

• rarely bothered or overwhelmed 

• enjoys being around new people 

• may be easily overlooked by adults because they demand less attention 

ACTIVE

• always on the move 

• enjoys exploring 

• less interested in sitting activities (like reading books)

• may have difficulty transitioning to quiet activities like nap time 

It is important to distinguish temperament from other behavior or health problems. If you have concerns about your child's behavior (or notice large shifts in their temperament), talk with your child's healthcare provider. 

Want to learn more?

How to Understand Your Child's Temperament (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Temperament (Zero to Three)

Keep in mind, every child develops at their own pace.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about your child's development or growth.

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Because kids don't come with instructions.