Temperament in Early Childhood
Understanding Temperament in Infants and Toddlers
What Is Temperament?
A child's temperament is their personal 'style' or how they approach and react to the world.
It influences behavior and interactions, but does not clearly define or predict specific actions.
Key Temperamental Traits
Activity level
Adaptability to routines
Response to new situations
Mood
Intensity of reactions
Sensitivity
Distractibility
Persistence
Regularity (e.g., sleeping, eating patterns)
Three Temperament Types
Easy or Flexible (approximately : Happy, regular habits, adaptable, calm, not easily upset.
Active or Feisty (approximately : Fussy, irregular habits, fearful of new things, easily upset by stimulation, intense reactions.
Slow to Warm or Cautious (approximately : Less active, may be fussy, withdraw or react negatively to new situations but eventually adapt with repeated exposure.
Clarifications About Temperament
Not all children fit neatly into these three types.
Temperamental traits range in intensity; children of the same type can react differently.
Basic temperament is stable, but intensity can be affected by cultural values, parenting styles, and environmental interactions.
Adults cannot force a change in temperament, but environment can influence the expression of traits.
Why Temperament Is Important
Helps caregivers understand individual differences.
Guides caregivers to help children express preferences, desires, and feelings appropriately.
Avoids blame for normal reactions.
Allows adults to anticipate issues and use approaches that match a child's temperament.
Goodness of Fit
A crucial concept where a caregiver adapts their approach to meet a child's individual needs and temperament.
Mismatch between a child's temperament and caregiver's style or environment can lead to difficulties.
Strategies for Caregivers to Promote Positive Social-Emotional Development
Reflect on your own temperament: Understand personal preferences to better identify