10 (Unscientific) Signs You Might Have a Temperamental Child

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:09:00 GMT

When my daughter was 3, she used to throw such monumentally outrageous tantrums we dubbed them "wild animal fits" and on the advice of Brazelton, we put her in a safe room, told her we loved her and then held the door closed until the storm passed. Sometimes this would take an hour.

"She'll outgrow it" assured various doctors and family members. She is now 6 1/2 and while the tantrums happen less frequently, she is still a very highly strung child, prone to throwing fits when she doesn't get her way. She has an identical twin sister and a younger sister who are blessed with more easy-going personalities, which is either hopeful or distressing, depending on the day. If she was just born this way, what can be done?

Here are 10 signs which indicate that this isn't just a phase, more a matter of natural temperament:

1. Slamming doors at a young age - a bad preview of teen years

2. Lack of resilience - the slightest thing will set her off

3. Frequent tears - regardless of the day, there are usually several long crying jags

4. Easily slighted - if other kids do anything perceived as leaving her out, she comes unglued

5. Easy mark - related to the above, she's a desirable target for other kids because for very little teasing investment they can get a huge reaction

6. Lack of emotional control - where other kids her age seem to be able to hold themselves together, she loses is completely at the slightest provocation

7. Very sensitive - of course this is also a gift. She is highly attuned to other people, particularly if she perceives that they need help. She is very sensitive to loud noises, temperature changes, and bright light.

8. Nervous - She is very nervous at night, despite sharing a bed with her twin sister.

9. Easily disrupted - She has very excellent concentration for her age and loves to work on projects undisturbed. If she does get bothered, she loses it.

10. Sweet girl - When she is happy, it's like the sun lights up her face and the entire household can't help but smile.

Anyone else out there have temperamental children?

Spirituality, Fun Times Key to Kids' Happiness

Amy Kuras — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:57:00 GMT

What makes your kids happy?

That can be a baffling question, sometimes. There are days when just waking up in the morning seems to thrill my daughter to bits, and others when we could offer her unlimited Elmo and an ice cream buffet while all her friends visit for a playdate and it would not do the trick. As for my son, he's three months old and discovering the fact he has toes makes him squeal with joy.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia actually looked into this, and found that spirituality – as opposed to religion, I might add – accounted for 8 to 17 percent of a child's happiness. Leisure activities, such as sports, and the child's innate temperament also accounted for a great deal.

Money, the parent's marital status, and the child's gender accounted for less than one percent of a child's happiness.

Researchers hoped that by finding out what made children happy, they could help develop coping mechanisms for when they are facing difficult times.

The study was conducted with 315 children ages 9 through 12 in Kelowna, British Columbia. Children were asked to rate the importance of various statements to their happiness. Parents and teachers were also asked about each child's apparent happiness levels.

This is part of a newish branch of psychology called "positive psychology"—or, the study of happiness.

Strollerderby : temperament

10 (Unscientific) Signs You Might Have a Temperamental Child

Spirituality, Fun Times Key to Kids' Happiness