Walk in their Little Shoes: Understanding Your Child's Point of View

One of your most important responsibilities as a parent is to understand your child’s point of view so that you can effectively nurture, instruct, and even discipline him or her.

While much has been written about how parents can learn to understand both how their children think and what motivates them to do what they do, it really all boils down to personality. In other words, your child’s personality will shape how he or she relates not only to you, but also to the world in general. So, the more you understand your child’s personality or temperament, the better your odds of truly understanding your child’s point of view.

Check out the following personality types to learn which one best reflects your child so that you can gain the understanding you need to properly fulfill your parenting duties.

The Zen Child

Your child may be a zen child if he or she is easy going, can adjust as situations call for it, and generally has a happy disposition. It's important that you provide positive encouragement for your zen child’s good behaviour since such children, if they see their misbehaving siblings receiving plenty of attention, could start to mimic the same sort of bad behavior in order to get some attention as well. Zen children might appear to be low maintenance due to their naturally easy going ways, but this doesn't mean that they don't have issues. So, keep an open line of communication between you and your zen child and be sure that he or she knows you’re always available for a talk.

The Wallflower

If your child has the wallflower personality, he or she may exhibit nervousness or uneasiness whenever in unfamiliar places. In such situations, your child might take his or her time to become comfortable with the new surroundings. The worst thing you as a parent can do to your wallflower child is to push him or her to jump into situations at a pace he or she is not comfortable with. Instead, do a bit of preparatory work before introducing your child to a stressful situation. This can involve simply explaining exactly what an event will entail and who will be there. Looking at things from your child's perspective means appreciating it’s okay to be introverted and that not everyone is cut out to be an outgoing extravert.

The Explorer

If your child has an explorer personality, you'll notice it because he or she will be confident and even fearless. While you'll want to nurture such a child to develop his or her leadership skills, you’ll also need to understand that your child might find his or herself in sticky situations on account of this fearlessness. Your explorer kid will be independent, which is why you'll need to allow him or her some leeway to experience and explore. Such children need the freedom to romp and play, so understand that your explorer won’t want to be cooped up all the time with nothing or little to do.

Walking in your child’s little shoes definitely means endeavoring to understand his or her point of view. By understanding the various personality types, you can better see the world the way your child sees the world, and this will enable you to be the sort of parent your child needs.

"Scott Reddler is an active software developer, water sports fan, and a loving and enthusiastic father of three. He uses his knowledge of new technology to understand how social media and apps are changing the parenting landscape. He enjoys taking his children out for boat rides and exploring his lovely state of Florida". Twitter: @Scottreddler