What you should know about your kids' personality

Parenting is a two-way street; you can learn just as much from your kids as they do from you, and your personality can have a great influence on shaping theirs’. To make this parent-child relationship work, remember that you are in this together as a team, both of you trying to make sense of this big world we live in.

Each personality has a sea of traits; while some may stand out at first glance, other traits may require effort and time to figure out. That’s what a personality test for kids is for, it gives you an insight into their hidden traits, that are going to be your guideline for raising an emotionally healthy child.

The guide to your kids’ personality

• Hobbies and Interests 

Children are indecisive. One day they beg you to sign them up for football, the next day you might find yourself paying for piano lessons. As a parent, you want to direct your kid toward the hobbies that will best shape their personality. 

Knowing what your kid truly likes or dislikes can be an endless cycle. Give your child options, let them explore, or perhaps introduce them to your own interests, a common interest is an unmissable bonding opportunity. 

Some hobbies can even lead to a career. Recognizing them at a young age can help you in planning your future career or course of study.  

• Insecurities and Fears 

Children who are insecure are unable to fully enjoy life, insecurities destroy their self-image and the way they view themselves. Understanding what triggers your children's fears in the first place will help you help them overcome them. They need a safe environment in which your kids can find the comfort and assurance they need to grow into adults with good self-esteem and confidence.

• Thoughts and Needs

Human beings are a set of needs. Needs are classified into two types: Personal needs that are unique to each person and Basic needs that everyone shares. Those basic needs are explained in the figure below. 

 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 

Our kids’ opinions matter. They need to be given the chance to express themselves and voice their thoughts, it gives them a sense of freedom and value. It also teaches them how to be dependable and enhances their conversation skills. 

Asking them for their thoughts on the colors they want for their bedroom walls or the movie they want to watch on movie night is a good place to start.

Their words can guide you in knowing what’s best for them. If your child always tells you that you are always on your phone, they may be trying to let you know that they need you to spend more time with them or give them some of your attention.

How to become an understanding parent? 

Sometimes it's better to look at things through your children's eyes rather than your own, to take a step back and consider how you'd like to be treated if you were in their place. 

Acceptance 

Acceptance and affirmation are the foundation of our psychological health. It’s not about befriending them, it’s about being their safe place, where they can let their guards down and show their real personality. 

Mistakes are especially common in children, they are lessons to teach them how to do better next time. And the best way to deal with their mistakes is to remind yourself that kids are people just like you and me, after all. The point is to accept the good features, be more forgiving and offer guidance instead of criticizing and making them feel guilty for disappointing you. 

Patience 

Patience is the key when trying to teach your child a certain trait. If your son thinks lying is his way out of punishment or that his honest words could lead him into trouble, it’s important not to lose your temper or overreact. Your aim isn’t to build a child who doesn't lie. But to build a brave kid who can communicate honestly and tell the truth without fearing consequences or punishment. 

If your kids throw a tantrum, destroy property, or talk back to their teachers. Let them know when they are misbehaving, talk about what they did wrong, and how they can fix it. They also need to be told when they are doing the right thing, a child is more likely to repeat a positive behavior when you point it out to them, your words of encouragement motivate them to become better. 

In any team game, knowing our teammates, who we are dealing with, and what are their weaknesses and strengths, is crucial. That’s how it is with our children; they are our teammates and life partners. We grow and learn together, and the best way to get to know them is to look into our kids’ personalities.