Raising your Spirited Child

Raising your Spirited Child

A quiz to assess:

http://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-temperament-quiz/

Brooke is very very spirited. Johel is just spunky (and this may be from the terrible twos.)

Extrovert or Introvert:

Brooke is an extrovert. She NEEDS to be talking to someone all day. It is torture for her to have quiet time. She gets energy from other people. I am more introverted. I love people, but need to stay home/ read/ rest to get more energy.

Energy for introverts:

Time alone, Personal (physical) space, thinking time, uniterrupted work time,

Energy for extroverts:

Feedback, time with people, People to listen to them talk so they can think

For our combinations I should let her know I love her but I need time alone, I need time to think before I answer, and keep her around people a lot.

Intensity:

Program them to think

I am getting upset

I am enthusiastic (put a positive spin, avoid bad labels)

That can be frustrating

I am a problem solver

I can be angry without hurting someone or being agressive

Have siesta time- books, legos, pictures, art for one hour- no tv or video games

Get proper sleep- 10 hours school age, 12 preschool, 13 toddlers

Get them around water

Let them use an imagination game

Let them use anything with senses- lotion (touch and smell) , listen to music, gum, play dough, finger painting, let them wash dishes, toys or dolls, tight hug or blanket, draw numbers on their back, or massage them

Physical Excersise and motion

Reading

Humor- making a joke out of what they are saying but being sensitive to their feelings, but making them laugh.

Time out- not as punishment, but as a break

Persistance

We are a problem solving family. You are assertive and independet.

Teach your child win-win

Be very clear and very consistent

Help your child come up with a better solution

Sensitivity:

Limit tv, computer ect.

Teach your child to notice when they are getting overstimulated

Use kind words to describe them.

Distractable or Perceptive

Help kids to listen by using "good marketing" like an advertiser would do. Vary your methods,

Get down on eye level and make eye contact

Keep it simple, say what you mean, and tell them what they CAN do.

Adaptability:

Establish a routine

Don't rush them, take your time

Give them plenty of warning when you will change activities

Help them deal with disappointment

Limit the number of transitions that will occur

Regularity, Energy, First Reaction and mood

Kids that are not "regular" aern't trying to drive you crazy, they may not be hungry at dinner, or sleepy at bedtime.

For energy, make sure they get a lot of physical excersise/ activity

Energy is often tied to other traits. when a routine is interrupted, etc, he may get even more wound up.

First reaction : Some kids just have a negative first reaction to everything. Encourage them and take your time. Baby steps

POWER:

Predict the reactions

Organize the setting

Work together

Enjoy the rewards

Sleeping:

Transition activity- dimming lights, playing music, eating a snack, putting on pjs

Connect and calm- snuggle , books, reading, talking, mustic

Cue for sleep - prayer, kiss, lullaby

Switch to sleep- you can lay with him, but have him cuddle stuffed animal

Create a nest- make it a cozy place

bath time 90 minutes before bed

Make a picture chart

Rewards