Every baby is different (and so is every parent)
Your baby is born with its own individual temperament - the way your child responds to the world and to their own body.
Temperament helps to explain how children in the same family often have such different personalities and why parents sometimes find it tough to raise certain children but not others. There are some important things to know about your child’s temperament:
It's not your fault!
Temperament has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself as a parent - but it shouldn’t. You see, a child’s temperament is not something that parents can choose or change, nor can a child simply decide to change his or her nature. It’s important to take comfort in realising that a lot of who your child is, is simply beyond your control. What you can do is understand and accept.
Get to know your baby
As you probably know by now, temperament is expressed through different behavioural styles. Some babies are relaxed and easy-going; others are more intense, even dramatic. Some move constantly; others sit still. Babies can express their temperament by being cheerful; others stay more serious.
But even if you haven’t quite grasped your baby’s unique temperament, don’t panic. It can take time. By watching closely and observing, you will get to know the little quirks which make them truly unique. It will also help you to work out how to best care for your baby and continue to build that special bond, which will enhance your child’s development.
Look for the goodness
Some research suggests a baby’s temperament will fall into one of three, crude categories: easy, difficult or slow to warm up.
This is a simplistic way of categorising temperament and makes it clear to see how “easy” babies are more likely to be considered as “good” babies, while “difficult” babies could be seen as “naughty”. Our Early Parenting Centre encourages and promotes the notion of all babies and children having “goodness” - even when their behaviour might be challenging.
Let’s not forget that as parents, you have your own temperament and personality too! Reflecting on your own temperament will help you to adjust your parenting to fit that of your child’s, leading to long-term well-being for both you and your child.
Source: www.raisingchildren.net.au/articles/temperament_what_is_it.html/context/738
Get in Touch
For more information on how we can help tailor your parenting style, please contact us online or call (03) 9881 9516. Alternatively, click here to find out more about our Early Parenting Centre Program.
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