The nine traits of temperament

Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - October 18, 2017

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Understanding the different traits of temperament can help you understand and
support your child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and interact with
other people and within their world. There are nine different traits of
temperament:

1. Activity level
2. Biological rhythms
3. Sensitivity
4. Intensity of reaction
5. Adaptability
6. Approach/withdrawal
7. Persistence
 8. Distractibility
9. Mood

Each person has their own unique combination of personality or temperament

traits, so you may be similar to another person or your child on one trait and
different on another. These traits are part of someone’s personality and one of
the ways that makes each of us unique. There is no right or wrong temperament
—every person has their own unique style of thinking, acting and interacting
with the world.

Parenting and understanding temperament

Temperament can describe or bring context to your child’s behavior. For
instance, if your child is a picky eater, that may be very frustrating. However, if
you understand your child is very sensitive to texture and touch, that may help
explain their behavior, which can change how you feel about it and how you
react to it.

Understanding your child’s temperament will also help you have appropriate
expectations for them. Just like it’s not fair to expect a toddler to wait patiently,
it’s not fair to expect a child who is “slow to warm up” or tends to withdrawal to
jump into a new play group or play with other children on the playground right
away.

Sometimes your temperament is very similar to your child’s, and sometimes or

in some specific ways it can be very different. When styles are similar, it might
be very easy to parent your child, but when they are different or in the specific
ways or situations when they are different, it can be very challenging. Taking
the time to understand your child’s temperament and the ways it is similar or
different than your own can help you adapt your parenting to build on your
child’s strengths and meet their specific needs.

When you don’t understand your child’s behavior or you’re struggling with a
routine like bedtime, diapering or grocery shopping, take a minute to think about
whether that struggle is related to your child’s temperament. If it is, you may be
able to make small adjustments to your expectations, routines or methods that
can make things easier for you and your child.

Through this article series, we will explore all nine traits of temperament and
how they can affect child behavior, and talk about ways you can support your
child by understanding their temperament.
The nine traits of temperament: Activity
level
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - November 8, 2017

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Understanding your child’s activity level can help you understand and support
your child.

Is your child very active or more quiet?

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament, and in this article we will explore
the trait of activity level.

Activity level
Activity level refers to how physically active a person is. Some people feel the
need to be up and moving and on the go all the time, whereas other people are
more likely to move more slowly and engage in quieter, calmer activities.
High activity level
Children who have a high activity level may switch quickly from one activity to
another. You may think of their behavior as rowdy and may see them as
disruptive or boisterous. During slow or quiet activities, high active children may
have trouble sitting still and will likely be fidgety.

Low activity level

Children with lower activity levels will naturally choose activities that are quieter
and calmer. They will be more likely to be able to sit still during quiet activities
and will not have quite as much energy to burn during their daily activities.

Parenting and activity level

Make sure your highly active child has lots of opportunities to move and run.
They have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off, so try taking a break from
quiet or slower activities, like going on a car trip, and giving them an opportunity
to get a burst of high activity, like a quick game of tag at a rest stop. If your child
has a lower activity level, make sure they get lots of opportunities for quiet or
slower activities, like blocks, reading or board games.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
activity level can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their
needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural
temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Biological rhythms
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - November 22, 2017

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Understanding your child’s biological rhythms can help you understand and
support your child.

Does your child have regular or irregular biological rhythms?

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament, and in this article we will explore
the trait of biological rhythms.

Biological rhythms
Biological rhythms refer to the regularity of someone’s internal drives, like
eating, sleeping and toileting. Some individuals will have very regular routines;
they like to get up at the same time each day, eat at the same time and sleep at
the same time. Others may be more irregular; their daily rhythms will vary quite
a bit and it is harder for them to stick to rigid routines.

Regular rhythms
Children who have regular rhythms will easily stick to a routine. It will be easy
for them to eat meals and snacks at the same time each day, nap and sleep
and even toilet around the same time each day. This makes it easy for parents
to have a predicable routine.

Irregular rhythms
Children with irregular rhythms will have varying schedules because their
patterns are irregular. It will be difficult for them to nap, eat or toilet at the same
time each day. It may be challenging for these children to stick to a strict daily
routine, as they may not feel tired at the same time each day.

Parenting and biological rhythms

When you understand your child’s biological rhythms, it can be easier to set up
your expectations or you daily schedule for your child to be successful and to
avoid stress for you and your child. If your child is highly regular, you can set a
daily schedule and do your best to stick to it. If your child has rhythms that are
more irregular, it can be helpful to have a more flexible routine when possible.
Try letting your child nap when they are tired instead of insisting on a 1 p.m. nap
every day.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
natural rhythms can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have
their needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their
natural temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Sensitivity
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - December 7, 2017

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Understanding your child’s sensitivity can help you understand and support your
child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament, and in this article we will explore
the trait of sensitivity.

Sensitivity
People who are more sensitive react more strongly to sound, light, touch, smell
and taste. They may be bothered by tags in their clothing and be troubled by
bright lights and loud noises. Their reactions to these stimuli may also be
intense; what seems like a small nuisance may bring about a big response.

High sensitivity
Children who are highly sensitive may react very strongly to their environment.
They may be upset by the sounds of a loud truck outside or bothered by bright
fluorescent lights. They react to the slightest stimuli that may seem harmless to
everyone else or even go unnoticed.

Low sensitivity
Children with low sensitivity won’t be bothered by subtle stimuli, like sounds or
textures. Their reactions may not be as strong when they are impacted by
something; they may not cry when they fall down, even if they are hurt.

Parenting and sensitivity

Taking your child’s sensitivity into account can help you have more positive
interactions with them. If your highly sensitive child is bothered by
uncomfortable clothes, take them to the store to help you pick out clothes that
are comfortable to them. You may also need to give them extra time in the
morning to get dressed to make sure they find an outfit that is comfortable.
Similarly, they may need time and quiet space when you are at a family
gathering or a party.

You may also need to be more tuned in to your low sensitivity child, as they
may not react strongly when they are hurt, sick or bothered by something. By
tuning in and paying attention, you can make sure you are aware of and
meeting their needs.

Letting your daily schedule and expectations vary to meet your child’s sensitivity
can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their needs met in
a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Sensitivity
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - December 7, 2017

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Understanding your child’s sensitivity can help you understand and support your
child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament, and in this article we will explore
the trait of sensitivity.

Sensitivity
People who are more sensitive react more strongly to sound, light, touch, smell
and taste. They may be bothered by tags in their clothing and be troubled by
bright lights and loud noises. Their reactions to these stimuli may also be
intense; what seems like a small nuisance may bring about a big response.

High sensitivity
Children who are highly sensitive may react very strongly to their environment.
They may be upset by the sounds of a loud truck outside or bothered by bright
fluorescent lights. They react to the slightest stimuli that may seem harmless to
everyone else or even go unnoticed.

Low sensitivity
Children with low sensitivity won’t be bothered by subtle stimuli, like sounds or
textures. Their reactions may not be as strong when they are impacted by
something; they may not cry when they fall down, even if they are hurt.

Parenting and sensitivity

Taking your child’s sensitivity into account can help you have more positive
interactions with them. If your highly sensitive child is bothered by
uncomfortable clothes, take them to the store to help you pick out clothes that
are comfortable to them. You may also need to give them extra time in the
morning to get dressed to make sure they find an outfit that is comfortable.
Similarly, they may need time and quiet space when you are at a family
gathering or a party.

You may also need to be more tuned in to your low sensitivity child, as they
may not react strongly when they are hurt, sick or bothered by something. By
tuning in and paying attention, you can make sure you are aware of and
meeting their needs.

Letting your daily schedule and expectations vary to meet your child’s sensitivity
can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their needs met in
a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Adaptability
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - January 5, 2018

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Understanding your child’s adaptability can help you understand and support
your child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament. In this article, we will explore the
trait of adaptability.

Adaptability
Adaptability means how easily someone can adjust to change or new situations.
Highly adaptable people can easily switch from one activity or location to
another, without any problems. Those who are less adaptable need to take time
to feel comfortable with change or new situations. Moving from one place or
activity to another may be more difficult for individuals who are slow to adapt.

Highly adaptable
Children who are highly adaptable will be able to transition from one activity to
another without much trouble. They will move from playtime to lunchtime to
naptime, without having any trouble.

Slow to adapt
Children who are slow to adapt will have a harder time moving from one activity
to another. They may react very strongly to being told that playtime is over and
may have a hard time with different transitions during the day.

Parenting and adaptability

Adaptable children may appear to be more “easy,” and you may not have
trouble getting them to move from one activity to another throughout the day.
Children who are slower to adapt may need more understanding and warnings
from you when things are going to change. Start giving warnings when your
child will need to shift from one activity to another, like picking up their toys and
heading into bath time. Slower to adapt children do better when they know what
to expect, so try to keep a regular routine.

Letting your daily schedule and expectations vary to meet your child’s
adaptability can prevent conflict and stress. It will also allow your child to have
their needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their
natural temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Approach/withdrawal
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - January 19, 2018

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Understanding your child’s approach and withdrawal traits can help you
understand and support your child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament. In this article, we will explore the
trait of approach/withdrawal.

Approach/withdrawal
Approach and withdrawal refers to how quickly and easily a person adjusts to
changes or new situations. Some individuals may find it easy to adapt to new
situations and are likely to jump in and meet new people or try new things.
Others, whose style is withdrawing, tend to need more time to warm up to new
situations; they may hang back before they join in.

Approaching
Approaching children are excited and willing to explore new things, people and
situations. They may run to investigate a new playground without hesitation and
oftentimes will take very little time to adjust to new situations.

Withdrawing
Withdrawing children are also called “slow to warm up.” They need extra time to
adjust to new situations and may hang back before they explore or join in. They
may hesitate at a new social situation instead of joining in right away.

Parenting and approach/withdrawal

Approaching children are likely to jump right in to new situations and adjust
quickly and without trouble when changes occur. Parents can support these
children by giving them opportunities to explore their environment and meet
new people, like joining a play group or going to the park.

Withdrawing children need extra time, understanding and support in new or

novel situations. Parents can give them space and permission to hang back at
the family gathering or on the first day of school until they feel comfortable
joining in.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
approach/withdrawal can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to
have their needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their
natural temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Persistence
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - February 7, 2018

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Understanding your child’s persistence can help you understand and support
your child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament. In this article, we will explore the
trait of persistence.

Persistence
Persistence refers to how long you are able and willing to stick to a task, even
when it is challenging. Some individuals are willing to keep working at
something, even when they run into roadblocks along the way. Other people
may be more willing to drop a task that is difficult and move on to something
else.

High persistence
Children who are persistent will work hard to figure out exactly how that puzzle
piece fits in, even if it is challenging. They will work very hard to finish
something they have started and are likely to practice something they want
master, like riding a bike.

Low persistence
Children with low persistence are more likely to move onto something else
when they find something difficult. It is common for them to be overwhelmed
when they struggle with something that is challenging for them. They may
become very frustrated or ask for an adult to do it for them.

Parenting and persistence

Children with high persistence may be able to independently work through
problems without much adult assistance and may be more inclined to work on
tasks alone. Parents may want to check in with persistent children to see how
they are doing when they are working through a problem and offer support if the
child wants it. Children with low persistence may give up quickly or be
overwhelmed with frustration when they find a task tough.

Help children learn to work through the emotions that go along with feeling
overwhelmed. Teaching them stress management techniques like taking deep
breaths or walking away for a few minutes can help encourage them to work
through problems on difficult tasks.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
persistence can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their
needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural
temperament.
The nine traits of temperament:
Distractibility
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - February 20, 2018

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Understanding your child’s distractibility can help you understand and support
your child.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament. In this article, we will explore the
trait of distractibility.

Distractibility
Distractibility simply refers to how easily someone is distracted by their
environment. People who get distracted easily may have their attention pulled
from the task at hand by ambient noise or other people or things in the
background. Those who are not easily distracted will find it easy to be absorbed
in a task despite outside stimuli.

High distractibility
Highly distractible children will quickly shift their attention from one thing to
another. They may not be able to focus on a conversation over dinner if they
see a dog outside the kitchen window. They may be very attuned to details and
have a hard time focusing in places and spaces that are busy and loud.

Low distractibility
Children with low distractibility find it easy to get really focused on a task. They
get absorbed in a book even though there’s a noisy gathering of people in the
same room. These children can block out many distractions and really focus
their attention on what they are working on.

Parenting and distractibility

Children who are easily distractible may need adult support to really focus on a
task. Turn off the TV during homework time and find quiet, calm places so
children can focus on what they need to be doing. Remember, distractible
children aren’t being rude when they shift their attention, they are just more
attuned to noticing things in their environment.

Children who are not easily distracted may be able to be hyper focused on the
task at hand, but may find it difficult to move on when they are upset about
something; they may tend to focus on those negative feelings. Adults can help
support these children by giving them tools to use to manage those emotions.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
distractibility can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their
needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural
temperament.
The nine traits of temperament: Mood
Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - May 2, 2018

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Understanding your child’s mood can help you understand and support your
child.

Some children naturally have a happier mood, and other children may have a more
serious mood.

Temperament
Temperament refers to personality traits that determine how someone reacts to
the world. Are they quiet or rambunctious? Easygoing or apprehensive? The
traits of temperament are mostly innate traits that we are born with, although
they can be influenced by an individual’s family, culture or their experiences. A
person’s temperament style plays a role in how they behave and how they
interact with other people and within their world.

There are nine different traits of temperament. In this article, we will explore the
trait of mood.

Mood
Mood refers to the overall tone of a person’s feelings, interactions and
behaviors. Some people are dispositioned to have a happier overall mood, and
they generally feel good about things. Others may have more of a negative
mood. They may be referred to as more unpleasant, as they may not react in a
strong, positive way with the world around them.

More positive mood

Children with a more naturally positive mood are likely to appear happy and
bubbly most of the time. They will have an easier time moving on from periods
of unhappiness. They tend to be more optimistic and will often be cheery and
upbeat in their interactions.

More negative mood

Children who have a more naturally negative mood may appear to be more
subdued than happy. They may have a demeanor that is more calm and may
appear gloomy, sad or negative. They may not show their positive feelings
externally, but still feel positive things.

Parenting and mood

It is often expected of children (and adults too) to be outwardly happy most of
the time, but there is nothing wrong with children (or adults) who have a more
negative mood. You can support these children by adjusting your expectations
—accept that your child may not appear outwardly happy all the time.
Remember that just because they don’t show it, doesn’t mean that they are not
experiencing joy or happiness. Reassure your child that their feelings and
moods are valid and whatever they feel is ok. Be there to support them and
teach them healthy ways to express their emotions.

Letting your daily schedule and your expectations vary to meet your child’s
activity level can prevent conflict and stress, and allow your child to have their
needs met in a way that plays to their strengths and builds upon their natural
temperament.