Baby’s Personality Celebrating Individual Differences!

What is Personality? Personality is the total of all specific traits (such as shyness or cheerfulness) that are consistent in an individual’s behavior. Personality is the total of all specific traits (such as shyness or cheerfulness) that are consistent in an individual’s behavior. To be consistent, the trait must be present over a period of time and in a variety of activities. To be consistent, the trait must be present over a period of time and in a variety of activities. Each trait may have varies degrees- somewhat shy or very shy! Each trait may have varies degrees- somewhat shy or very shy! Some personality traits seem to be inborn. Some personality traits seem to be inborn. Family and environment also shape a child’s personality. Family and environment also shape a child’s personality.

Baby’s Self- Concept A child’s personality is influenced by his/her self-concept. A child’s personality is influenced by his/her self-concept. Self-concept is a person’s feelings about himself Self-concept is a person’s feelings about himself Self-Concept is strongly influenced by how parents and others treat the child. Self-Concept is strongly influenced by how parents and others treat the child. Praise and admiration for individual strengths build positive self-concepts. Praise and admiration for individual strengths build positive self-concepts. Babies who are belittled or negatively compared to other children may develop negative self-concepts. Babies who are belittled or negatively compared to other children may develop negative self-concepts.

Common Personality Traits It is often common for certain clusters of personality traits to occur together. It is often common for certain clusters of personality traits to occur together. There are three general personality patterns: There are three general personality patterns: 1.The Sensitive Child 2.The Placid Child 3.The Aggressive Child

The Sensitive Child Baby is unusually aware of his/her surroundings and of any changes in those surroundings. Baby is unusually aware of his/her surroundings and of any changes in those surroundings. Quite fuzzy and irritable, more likely to cry than other babies and are difficult to comfort. Quite fuzzy and irritable, more likely to cry than other babies and are difficult to comfort. Baby is easily startled and frightened of new experiences Baby is easily startled and frightened of new experiences Need more than the average amount of love and tenderness. Parents need to be especially patient and understanding! Need more than the average amount of love and tenderness. Parents need to be especially patient and understanding!

The Placid Child A placid baby is one who, compared to other babies, is remarkably easygoing and accepting of his/her surroundings. A placid baby is one who, compared to other babies, is remarkably easygoing and accepting of his/her surroundings. Easiest personality to live with and less upset by changes to routines. Easiest personality to live with and less upset by changes to routines. Usually cheerful and patient, quiet and willing. Usually cheerful and patient, quiet and willing. Adjust easily to new people and surroundings Adjust easily to new people and surroundings Parents can easily forget to give needed attention when surrounded by more sensitive and aggressive children. Parents can easily forget to give needed attention when surrounded by more sensitive and aggressive children.

The Aggressive Child An aggressive child is one who is usually strong- willed and determined An aggressive child is one who is usually strong- willed and determined The responses of aggressive babies is extreme. The responses of aggressive babies is extreme. Eat more heartily, cry more loudly, kick more strenuously! Eat more heartily, cry more loudly, kick more strenuously! Aggressive babies love activity, trying new things, less concerned about failure. Aggressive babies love activity, trying new things, less concerned about failure. Aggressive Babies are likely to express anger when frustrated Aggressive Babies are likely to express anger when frustrated Parents should try not to react emotionally to these outbursts and keep the child from hurting themselves. Give soft toys (that might be thrown), keep voice calm and reassuring Parents should try not to react emotionally to these outbursts and keep the child from hurting themselves. Give soft toys (that might be thrown), keep voice calm and reassuring

Can you tell my personality type?