This weeks temperament characteristic is "First Reaction to New Ideas, Situations, People, etc"

[Judy Arnall]

There are eight characteristics of Temperament that range on a continuum from Easy Going (40% of all children) to High Need/Spirited (15% of all children) with Slow-to-Warm in the middle (30% of all children).

Each week, we will explore the benefits and challenges of each one. Sometimes we need to see that not always is the grass greener on the other side. Of my five children, two are moderately spirited, one is easy-going, one is extremely spirited (my last one) and one is slow-to-warm. This is a eye-opening exercize that we do in classes and thought it would be great to get a wider range of opinions. Please contribute what you see/observe in your children. Thank you from Judy

First Reaction

What do you experience as challenges in parenting a Negative First Reaction (spirited) child?

What do you see as benefits in parenting a Negative First Reaction (spirited) child?

What do you see as challenges in parenting a Positive First Reaction (Easy-going) child?

What do you see as benefits in parenting a Positive First Reaction (Easy-going) child?

[Judy Arnall]

Here is what group parents had to say:

What do you experience as challenges in parenting a Negative First Reaction (spirited) child?

The child won't go with friends and may miss opportunities.  Surprises are not fun.

What do you see as benefits in parenting a Negative First Reaction (spirited) child?

Won't go off with strangers.  Cautious, and often play's the Devil's Advocate, which brainstorming groups need.

Considers safety issues carefully.

What do you see as challenges in parenting a Positive First Reaction (Easy-going) child?

Less cautious about safety.

What do you see as benefits in parenting a Positive First Reaction (Easy-going) child?

They love to be surprised.  Somewhat easy to please and parent.