In the world of psychology, temperaments are an important concept. They are innate traits that shape our behaviors and reactions. Back in the 60s & 70s, Drs. Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas conducted studies on personality and identified nine temperaments. They emphasized that all of them were good, but some might be more challenging than others.
Each temperament falls along a continuum between two extremes. Most researchers believe they are innate, but caregiver relationships can influence how these traits develop.
Understanding Temperaments
The nine temperaments each represent a linear spectrum. A temperament could be more extreme in some individuals or more mild. The combination makes up overall temperament.
Activity: This refers to the overall motor activity including gross (running, jumping) and fine (drawing, cutting). Is the individual more active or more subdued?
Adaptability: Adaptability refers to how you react to a new situation over time, the ability to adjust and accept change. Children are more adaptable than most adults when given proper support, but lean one way or the other.
Approachability: This is the initial response to something new - to either approach or withdraw. Slow to warm kids would be viewed as less approachable.
Distractibility: Distractibility refers to the way external stimuli interfere with behavior and focus. Some people can tune out all external factors while others are bothered by every minute noise.
Intensity: Intensity describes the level of emotional responses, ranging from sulking to tantrums.
Mood: Mood describes the tendency to react in a predominantly positive or negative way (or sunny vs serious).
Sensitivity: Sensitivity refers to the level of response to physical sensory inputs like light, noise, smell, or texture.
Persistence: Persistence is the willingness to pursue something in the face of obstacles. Attention span is the duration of the pursuit.
Regularity: Regularity or rhythmicity refers to the predictability of biological functions such as sleep, hunger, and bathroom needs. A more rhythmic person may need longer to adjust to a time zone change.
Combining Different Temperaments
Researchers also stress the "goodness of fit" between parents (and teachers) and their children. Understanding where our and our children's temperaments line-up or clash is helpful in understanding how everyone operates and setting reasonable expectations. Use the below scoring guide to assess each family member's temperament and easily see how they compare to one another.
How To Plan For Everyone
The combination of these temperaments along with those of other family members will influence how you plan travel. Do you have a high-energy kid? Consider a walking tour. Is your child very regular or rhythmic? Build in extra time for jetlag and adjustment. Is your child slow to warm up? Avoid large group tours with lots of new people.
Catering for everyone's needs is the recipe for a successful vacation. However, the diversity of needs can be the most difficult part of planning.
To accommodate everyone, consider the following strategies:
Alternate activities: Rotate between high and low energy activities. For instance, planning a visit to the park before dinner can balance out energy levels.
Split up: If someone wants to hit a museum and others want to do a walking tour, that’s great. There is no hard and fast rule for how you structure your time.
Take breaks: Remember to recharge. Adults can take turns with the kids to have some me time on the road.
So, how do your family’s temperaments affect travel plans? Share with us the best activity you’ve found that all of you can enjoy!
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