How Understanding Your Kid's Personality Type will Help you Connect on a Whole New Level
When you learn which personality type your kid identifies with, you can bond on a whole new level.
You wouldn't pour dog food over your flowers to help them bloom.
And your goldfish wouldn't thrive if you only fed it steak.
Of course you wouldn't expect the local birds to grow if you fill the birdfeeder with miracle grow. That would be ridiculous.
Similarly, you can't expect your children to grow and thrive emotionally if you don't give them what they need.
So, what does your kid need?
Introducing Personality-Focused Parenting
Designating personality types dates as far back as Ancient Greece.
Way back in Hippocrates days, the philosopher proposed two types of temperament: hot/cold and moist/dry, resulting in four combinations of these qualities. The hot and dry combination was referred to as yellow bile, and the cold and dry was known as black bile. The hot and wet was blood and cold and wet was phlegm.
Although this is totally gross, the idea of four primary personality types has evolved many times over the years (such as with the DISC profile, which this is based off of).
It is no surprise that children have different personality types too. Their personality type influences what motivates them, makes them feel loved, and helps them grow emotionally.
Related: How to Hardwire Your Kid for Happiness
As parents, if we learn how to adjust our parenting based on our kids, we can raise emotionally intelligent humans.
Four Personality Types for Kids
Of course there are not FOUR different types of people. Most of us have some traits that overlap and cross between these types, but there is usually one that we can identify with more than the others.
There are two main factors that contribute to your kid's personality:
- If they are outgoing or reserved
- If they are people-oriented or task-oriented
These categories will determine which of these four categories your kid falls into, and further what motivates and stimulates your child:
The Dominant Lion
If your child is strong-willed, determined, and slightly demanding, they may be a "lion". They are often competitive and dedicated.
These children thrive on results, winning, and clear directions. Clear expectations and routines work well for dominant children.
Don't forget to download your free guide at the end of this article
The Expressive Dolphin
Your child is in the expressive category if they are sociable, enthusiastic, and interactive.
Strict routines make "dolphins" uncomfortable. They like surprises, affection, and recognition from the people they love.
The Supportive Dog
The "dog" is caring, supportive, and loyal. These children are often non-confrontational and enjoy peace.
Children in this category prefer predictable routines, low-risk activities, and lots of affection.
Want to raise self-assured kids? Click here!
The Analytical Snake
Just like a snake, an analytical child is cautious, calculated, and private.
Kids with this personality type want to be spoken to like an adult. They are mature, and enjoy learning and being right. Even if they are too prideful to admit they are wrong, they need much support.
Personality Based Motivation
Based on your kid's personality type, they will respond to different triggers and motivational methods.
I am a dog, married to a dolphin, raising a lion a dolphin, and a dog. What is your family dynamic? Comment below!
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I am a dog, married to a snake raising a lion, dolphin and a dog. Can you imagine if the 3 children clash?
This is valuable information for a parent like me. I've been thinking of how I could possibly motivate my kids when they have grown.
Really interesting and enlightening this possibility and ideas of being able to inspire and help based on personalities!
This is a very informative post especially to new moms out there. I will share this to my Mommy community over at FB. Thanks!
to motivate kids it got to be mutual...if they did someting good you can give them some reward...if they have good grades request for toys can be bought for them..it can motivate both you abd your kids
I've never heard of this kind of personality analysis before! I have a snake, a dolphin, and a lion. I've always said they're very different but this proves it 🙂
It's just astrological elements under another name. Dolphins are the air element, Lions are fire, Dogs are water, and the Snakes are earth dominant. People are resistant to astrology but it's nothing new. If someone has their Sun in gentle nurturing water sign Cancer, and yet the rest of their chart is packed with Leo then they might still have secrecy and be protective over their family, but they might have the showy pompous goal driven behaviour of a fire sign, so they read as fire dominant/Lion. It's a lot more nuanced than that but you get the idea.
Love this topic! Parenting is a challenge from time to time. Learning how your kid receives info and learns is an important step to parenting them correctly! My two kids are completely different when it comes to learning, so I have to change my approach for each ; ) (me so tired...lol)
I am a snake married to a lion raising a lion/snake (my son is a combo package) and a dolphin. This is cool!
one size doesn't fit all, that I am glad we could change our ways according to each kid's character and personality. Thanks a lot for your sharing and I think it will be useful to a lot of people. - Knycx Journeying
i'm not finding where to download the guide. there is no where for me to subscribe.....?
There is a subscription box at the end of the article, but if it still isn't showing for you I'd be happy to email you the document!