Understanding and Helping a Spirited Child
Learning About Life With an Emotional and Active Tot
Jul 10, 2009
Some kids are considered easy while others are cautious or spirited. Learning about and accepting that a child has a more spirited nature will help parents be more encouraging and nurturing in their parenting. Each child is different and can vary in her exact temperament, but here are some general behaviour descriptions for spirited children that can help parents get a sense of how their child experiences the world, and that in turn can help them find positive ways to support her.
A Spirited Child is Full of Energy
In a roomful of children, a spirited child will not be sitting quietly playing with a toy, she will be running all over the room and checking out every corner, everything and everyone. Spirited kids tend to be more physically active, wanting to run, jump, climb and cartwheel the fastest and farthest. Running around with such vigour can also make them more at risk for bumps and bruises.
Spirited Child Can Have Difficulty With Change
They can be so busy enjoying and being in the moment that the thought of stopping that fun can seem catastrophic to them. Even if the next activity planned is something they really enjoy, that is in the future and they are very in the "now".
Has Strong Feelings
When a spirited child is happy about something she is sunshine and rainbows, but when she is upset about something it can be a torrential thunderstorm with crackling thunder and lightning. Such a child can have trouble accepting things when they are not going her way and feel hurt easily in their interactions with others. They are so committed to what they do and believe that it can be hard for them when a different reality confronts them.
Personalities Can Vary
Spirited toddlers can be described as more moody, impatient and easily upset. In general, they do tend to experience life in a bumpier fashion, with a lot of emotional ups and downs. When they are up, they are up, and when they are down they are down. But there is a lot of variety amongst spirited kids. Some spirited children are happy-go-lucky, just with an incredible amount of go-go-go.
Likes to Push the Boundaries
If a parent says don’t step over the line, she will jump over it instead. If a parent tells a spirited child to stay away from the cookie, she will get her stuffed teddy take the cookie on her behalf. She might start out asking for a toy she wants from her brother, but if she is not getting it she can quickly escalate things by yelling, hitting and taking what she wants.
Be Patient and Consistent
Dealing with spirited children can be challenging, but knowing and accepting their temperament can help parents be more effective. Trying to pressure and thumb down a spirited child can backfire and make the situation worse. The key is to stay patient and keep consistent limits. Think positive about a spirited child because they are movers and shakers who are good at getting their needs met. As they get older and improve their verbal and social skills, things will become easier for the parents.
References
Karp, Harvey.The Happiest Toddler on the Block:The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old. NY: Bantam Dell, 2002.
 |
 |
 |
