Examples of Temperament in Children

Low Sensitivity High tolerance to discomfort or pain. Difficulty tuning in to feelings. Difficulty reading social cues. Not as sensitive to the surrounding environment High Sensitivity Sensitive to smell, sound, touch and texture Illness, injuries cause greater discomfort. Becomes over-stimulated or overwhelmed High Regularity (predictable) Predictable hunger, sleepiness, elimination. Difficulty changing schedules during day light savings time. Low Regularity (unpredictable) Unpredictable hunger, sleepiness, elimination. Regular bedtime, mealtimes difficult Low Activity Fine motor skills more developed Prefers quiet activities Moves at a slower pace Moves toward independence at a slower pace High Activity In constant motion. Gets revved up easily. Gross motor skills more developed Hates car seats, strollers, etc. Moves towards independence at a fast pace Low Intensity Difficulty reading child's emotions Quiet Does not express emotions readily High Intensity Very loud, dramatic, has strong feelings Expresses extremes of emotions Cries easily, laughs easily Approaching/Curious Loves new things, people, situations Leaps before looking Nothing is left untouched Withdrawing/Slow-to-Warm Most comfortable with the familiar Dislikes new situations, people, foods, etc. Needs time to warm up to new things Fast Adapting Flexible Makes transitions easily Does not need a schedule Goes with the flow Slow Adapting Inflexible Transitions are difficult - even small ones. Takes time to adjust. Likes control. Power struggles likely High Persistence Labeled "stubborn" Difficulty "letting go" of tasks once occupied Plays alone well Not easily frustrated Low Persistence Easily frustrated Wants adults around for assistance Not inclined to practice a new skill or activity Gives up easily High Distractibility Easily distracted from an activity Difficulty concentrating Low Distractibility Difficult to distract from activity Becomes totally absorbed in a task Positive Mood Happy, smiles and laughs Content Positive Negative/Serious Mood Fussy or cranky Serious Negative

Examples of how children with different temperaments react to different issues.

ISSUES TEMPERAMENT COMBINATIONS Active, Fast-Adapting Intense, Slow-Adapting Sensitive, Withdrawing Meals Eats anything, resists sitting at table, prefers to "eat-on-the-run," needs to snack often Picky about food changes, resists a varied diet Rejects new foods, very particular about taste and texture Toilet Learning Learns early and quickly Resists strongly if pushed too fast Learns slowly, dislikes novelty of  using the toilet and may be fearful Peer Interactions Makes friends easily, jumps into all activities Wants to control the play, may be bossy Watches before joining in, prefers one or two friends to many Accident Risks Shows little fear, unaware of dangers Returns repeatedly to off-limits activities Cautious, avoids new dangers Separations Leaves parents easily Slow to separate Dislikes new caregivers Learning Learns by doing, a "hands-on" learner Resists directions Learns by observing