In last week’s article, What Kind of Mom Are You? we took a look at how some of the personality traits are exhibited in you as a mom.  As I have said before, even though these articles are painted with broad strokes, it is important to remember that none of us is purely one personality type.  We are all a blend of all four styles.  While I will again be painting with broad strokes as we discuss your children’s traits, they, too, are a blend of all four personality styles.

No doubt you have heard the term “strong-willed” child and perhaps, like me, you have one.  Actually, I have more than one!  This is the D child who enters the world with a lusty scream.  They seem demanding almost from the moment they arrive.  They readily let you know when they are hungry, need their diaper changed, or are unhappy.  It is almost as if they come out saying, “I’ve come to take over your world!  I am now in control!”  When they can talk, one of the things you are likely to hear often is, “I can do it myself!”  They are independent, determined, and dogmatic and they are not afraid of a challenge.  In fact, challenges seem to light their fire!  They need choice, challenge, and control.

The I child is a bright-eyed, happy little soul who almost never meets a stranger.  They coo and smile for everyone.  They are the ones who say ‘hi’ to everyone from the grocery cart as they are wheeled through the store.  They want to be entertained and to entertain others.  Their antics can almost always make you laugh.  However, they are easily bored because their attention span is short.  They thrive on activity.  They typically are early talkers and never seem to stop.  They always have something to say!  They usually have lots of friends and may even be voted most popular at school.  Either that, or class clown.  They are touchy-feely kinds of kids whose emotions are likely to be all over the place.  They need approval, recognition, and to be liked by everyone.

A little S baby often enters the world with hardly a peep.  They are pleasant, agreeable and the opposite of demanding.  In fact, they are typically content wherever they are.  Their pace is much slower than that of a D or I child.  They may seem to move in slow motion when compared to others.  They can play alone quietly for long periods of time and if another child should take their toy, they don’t usually make a big fuss.  They tend to be cuddly children who like to be held or to be close to you.  They also tend to be a bit shy and uncertain when placed in new surroundings.  Change is uncomfortable and it is in the face of change that you may experience resistance from them.  They are sweet and thoughtful.  Unlike the child who has a lot of I characteristics and is friends with everyone, the S child typically has one of two close friends.  While everyone loves their sweet demeanor, they tend to not be as social as the D or I child.  They need appreciation, security and assurance.

The C-style baby approaches everything with suspicion and caution.  When adults coo and make on over them, they are often met with icy stares that seem to say, “What kind of idiot are you?”  You can truly almost see the little wheels turning in their heads as they try to figure things out.  They rarely smile, no matter what antics you may use in an effort to get them to do so.  They prefer quiet activities that can be done alone like reading or puzzles.  They typically make good students and are fascinated by learning.  The question most often on their lips is, “Why?”  Social events are uncomfortable because they often find it difficult to initiate conversations and feel inept to do so.  They thrive on order and may be almost obsessive about having their “space” neat and tidy.  They also prefer to operate on routine schedules.  The needs of this type child are quality answers, excellence and order.

Life gets very interesting when you combine a number of these different personality traits under one roof!  We will take a look at some of the challenges that may create on your home front next week.

If you would like more in-depth information about personality styles, or would like to find out more about your own, visit my website at www.titus2consulting.com.  And, if you have a women’s group, business or ministry team who would benefit from learning more about how to effectively work together, I would love to work with you!