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”.