We have all encountered children who have very different personality types. For example, you must have met a toddler who is extremely shy and doesn’t say much. On the other hand, many kids are bold, brave, and not afraid to show their character when meeting new people. 

This article will discuss the importance of temperament and how it contributes to your child’s personality. More so, we will mention how you can determine the degree of approach/withdrawal of your kid. 

Temperament Matters

Every child possesses ten innate temperament traits. One of these traits describes the ease at which they approach new situations and challenges. This quality is just one of many that influences the personality and uniqueness of your kid. 

You must understand your child’s temperament to tailor your parenting style according to their needs. This will allow them to feel much more comfortable and achieve success. 

What Is Approach/Withdrawal?

Approach/withdrawal refers to your child’s natural instinct when they encounter new things, such as places, people, and objects. Certain kids are very comfortable in these situations; some may say that they flourish when exposed to new things. On the other hand, many children become weary. 

Determine Your Child’s Degree Of Approach Or Withdrawal

As we have already mentioned, you must determine your child’s degree of approach/withdrawal. To do this, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• How does your child react when exposed to new things?
• Do they act up when trying new foods?
• When your child was very young, did they cling to your legs when visiting new places or busy areas?
• What reaction does your child have when meeting new people?
• Does your child protest when you try incorporating new activities into their routine?

If you answered yes to the above questions, your child has a strong degree of withdrawal. If you answered no to all of the questions, they have a strong degree of approach. 

Concluding Thoughts

No two children have the exact same personality. Some kids are bold when exposed to new things, while others grow weary and cautious. This is because children all have unique temperaments.

If your child is not afraid to encounter new situations, they have a strong degree of approach. On the other hand, if your kid is more shy, they have a strong degree of withdrawal. You must determine their level of approach/withdrawal to adjust your parenting style accordingly.