Nurturing Temperamental Traits - Intensity

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

03 Mar 2006 10:04 AM

Intensity is in reference to your child's energy response and how loud they are. Does your infant respond loudly and strongly to everything? Do they cry whenever anything upsets them? Is your child dramatic? Does your child show strong emotions? Or does your child get quiet when upset?

Low Intensity

The low intensity child does not cry often. They don't express their displeasure or joy easily. It is hard to tell exactly how they are feeling. This child requires you to ask how things are going. Ask if something upsets them. You will need to look for physical signs of displeasure or joy to help you know how they feel. Do your child's eyes light up when playing with a certain toy, or after going down the slide? This is your child's way of expressing themselves.

You will need to teach your child to communicate how they are feeling, because it won't come naturally to them. This will be especially important as they grow and interact with other people and eventually their spouse.

High Intensity

As a parent you have no trouble knowing exactly what your high intensity child desires. They make sure that you and the whole world knows. This is the child who cries in the store because they don't get the treat they want. This is the child that throws himself to the floor, or stomps off to her room because you dared to say, "No." They are often exhausting to live with.

My advice, be consistent. Be consistent. Be consistent. The more your child realizes that they will not get their way the less likely they are to react so intensely. They will of course react more than a low intensity child, but they will get better at controlling it. It does take time, so be patient.

Use humor. When your child is getting upset or is hurt, turn the situation around by inserting humor. It's hard to stay angry or sad when you are laughing. I often use this technique with my son.

On a positive note your high intensity child will get their needs met. As they grow they will not be afraid to express their opinions and desires. They may be gifted in dramatic arts. You will always know how they are feeling, because they will tell you.

For more information about other personality traits read my blog "The 9 Temperamental Traits".

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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