logo

The Global Domain Name (url) Families.com is currently available for acquisition. Please contact by phone at 805-627-1955 or Email for Details

Nurturing Temperamental Traits – Adaptability

How easy does your child adapt to transitions? If your child doesn’t mind changes in their routine and easily transitions from activity to activity them they have high adaptability. If they don’t like changes and have a hard time adjusting to new situations they have low adaptability.

Low Adaptability

Has your child ever cried when you said it was time to put the puzzle away and go to the park? That is because the child with low adaptability has a hard time with transitions. Even though going to the park is an enjoyable activity they were involved in the puzzle and not ready to change activities. It is a good idea to warn your child about changes a few minutes before they happen so they will be ready. For example you have five minutes before you have to turn off the computer and come for dinner. At school, teachers need to be aware as well so they can warn the child of transitions, having a schedule posted is helpful.

This child does not deal well with changes in their schedule. It is important that you try and maintain the same schedule. If you know there are going to be changes explain them to your child before hand so they can be prepared. A spontaneous trip to a new place you might think fun, but to the child with low adaptability it is difficult to adjust to the change.

On a more positive note the child who adapts slowly is less likely to get into dangerous situations. They are also less likely to be influenced by peers.

High Adaptability

The highly adaptable child is much easier to deal with. They don’t mind changes to their routine and easily switch from task to task when asked.

On the down side they are game for anything. If someone suggests an activity they will be happy to go along even if it is dangerous.

For more information about other personality traits read my blog “The 9 Temperamental Traits”.

This entry was posted in Temperament and tagged , , by Teresa McEntire. Bookmark the permalink.

About Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years. She has three children Tyler, age six, Alysta, four, and Kelsey, two. She is a stay-at-home mom who loves to scrapbook, read, and of course write. Spending time with her family, including extended family, is a priority. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and currently works with the young women. Teresa has a degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University and taught 6th grade before her son was born. She also ran an own in-home daycare for three years. She currently writes educational materials as well as blogs for Families.com. Although her formal education consisted of a variety of child development classes she has found that nothing teaches you better than the real thing. She is constantly learning as her children grow and enjoys sharing that knowledge with her readers.