Persistence and Attention Span
A characteristic of Temperament: Little focus, disinterested Very focused, persistent What does this mean? Attention span is how long a child can focus on one activity. Persistence is how children respond when an activity is difficult or frustrating. Persistence and attention span together describe a child’s ability to stick with one task, even when it […]
Mood
A characteristic of Temperament: Negative mood most of the time Positive mood most of the time What does this mean? Mood is a child’s typical emotional state and how easy they are to please. What does this look like? Some children have an overall positive mood and outlook. They are generally easy to please. Other […]
Intensity of Emotions
An area of Temperament: Big emotions, quick to react Smaller emotions, slow to react What does this mean? Intensity of emotions is how big a child’s emotions are. It is also how quickly they have big emotions. This includes how sad, worried, angry or even happy or surprised they get. What does this look like? […]
Adaptability
A characteristic of Temperament: Outgoing, open to change Shy, prefers strict routines What does this mean? Adaptability is a child’s initial reaction to new people or situations and how easily they adjust to change. What does this look like? Some children are shy and quiet around new people and situations and have a hard time with […]
Regularity of Schedules
A characteristic of Temperament: Not regular, sleep and eat at different times each day Regular, sleep and eat at same times each day What does this mean? How regularly a child wants to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom. What does this look like? Regardless of parents’ influence, some children develop regular patterns of sleeping, […]
Activity Level
An area of Temperament: High activity, likes to be busy Low activity, likes to be still What does this mean? A child’s activity level is how much energy they have. It is also how much movement they need to feel comfortable. What does this look like? Some children are always moving, always busy. This activity […]
Enjoy
Using enjoy for reducing parent stress and frustration Recognize what you want to SEE: Staying calm and feeling confident as a parent. Use the skill: Do things that let you and your child laugh together. For example, have a tickle fight, tell each other jokes, or make up silly dance moves. Purpose:Laughter is a great […]
Enjoy
Using enjoy for having a better attitude Recognize what you want to see: Being respectful and kind, doing something with a good attitude Use the skill: Find ways to turn difficult or boring activities into something fun. Purpose:Remind your child that things can be more fun when you do them together. Smile and laugh together […]
Enjoy
Using enjoy for reducing anxiety and feeling safe Recognize what you want to SEE: Feeling safe, calmly talking about feelings, acting brave. Use the skill: Show enjoyment whenever you can. For example, “I really love hanging out with you.” “You are one of my favorite people.” Purpose:Let your child know you enjoy being with them. […]
Enjoy
Using enjoy for frustration tolerance Recognize what you want to SEE: Sticking with it, staying calm, coming up with new ideas, trying again. Use the skill: If you are building a tower and it falls, you could say “Wow what a big crash! I’m excited to try again and see if we can make it […]
