Is your Child Easy Going, Shy or Feisty? Tips to Support your Child’s Development

Around the age 10 – 12 months children really begin to grow their own personality, sometimes to the surprise of caregivers who, up to this point, have enjoyed that infanthood period.

See if you can pick out the following traits in your child and use the information on what you can do as a parent or caregiver to support your child's development.

The “Flexible/Easy Going Child” adjusts quickly to new situations and people, is often in a good mood and smiles a lot and eats and sleeps on a regular schedule. They react mildly to discomforts and can find ways to calm themselves. They easily warm up to new people and are not demanding or do not have strong reactions when they are disturbed, hurt or upset. They usually don't cry unless hurt and are happy to entertain themselves for short period of time. As a parent or caregiver you can give them lots of attention and stimulation even when they do not demand it. They are not going to demand it, but still need it. Make a special time to be one on one for teaching, playing and cuddling. Learn to respond to their not so obvious cues and signals and respect their need for routines. Enjoy your time together.

The “Shy/Cautious Child” warms up slowly to new situations and people, clings to familiar people and is watchful and cautious. They are easily over stimulated and slow to smile. They may withdraw or run away from new experiences and they respond slowly and quietly to hunger and other discomforts. As a parent or caregiver, slowly introduce them to new situations and people, giving them lots of time to feel comfortable. Do not push them before they are ready. Let other people know they are shy and ask them to wait until your child approaches them. Watch for signals of overstimulation and quickly remove your child. Don't expect your child to be outgoing. If your child does not like trying new foods and wearing new clothes, remember that it is the newness that bothers him. Give them opportunities to see the new item many times before you ask them to taste or wear it. And be patient. Be patient. Be patient.

The “Feisty/High Intensity Child” may have difficulty adjusting to changes or new situations and people, is often not hungry or tired at mealtime or bedtime and has strong reactions to things they do not like. They are strong willed, very active and noisy, test limits again and again and have difficulty calming themselves. They may demand attention, sleep lightly or wake up frequently and do not like moving from one activity to another and they let you know it. As a parent or caregiver know that you are not at fault or to blame for your child's temperament. Establish daily routines that will help your child feel more secure. When moving from one activity to another, such as playtime to bedtime, give a 10, 5, and 2 minute warning so the child can finish what they are doing. When you know that there is going to be a change in daily routines or plans, give a 10 minute warning so that the child has time to prepare for the change. Be consistent when you set limits. And “no” means “no”. Try to remain calm and remind yourself that he is not behaving this way to intentionally annoy you.

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At the end of each day, reflect on what you have done well as a parent or caregiver. And by all means, share information and suggestions with other parents, look online for information, try Investinkids.ca, or seek out help from the many community organizations who can assist you with more parenting information.

The vision of the Prince Albert Early Childhood Council is that all children in Prince Albert and area enjoy a good start in life. For more information on the Early Childhood Council contact Donna at 763-0760.

On behalf of the Council, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.