Insights on Childhood
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In today’s bonus of Insights, I’m going to summarize some of the information from chapter 7 of Standing Naked in the Shower, which explains how personality is apparent in young children, how to cultivate and nurture a child’s natural talents and strengths, and how to effectively discipline misbehavior.
Characteristics of Children
Blues are ___________________ children who spend a lot of time coloring, writing, playacting, and daydreaming. They love it when older people take the time to tell them stories, nursery rhymes, and fairy tales. They like playing with toys that have personality, like dolls or animals. Because they’re naturally ___________________ and sensitive, they’re easily upset when other people become overly competitive, aggressive, or violent.
Golds have a reasonably easy time growing up. They’re ____________ – ___________________ children who can be counted on to do their chores and follow the rules. They look to their parents and teachers for direction and approval. They’re down-to-earth and become upset over ___________________ . They like to play with toys that make them appear to be more grown-up and important. They like to work on crafts that are useful or practical.
Greens are ___________________ children who appear to be older than their years. They’re normally early talkers and learn to read long before they start school. They ask a lot of questions are never quite satisfied with an answer unless they can experience it for themselves. They like to play with chemistry sets, plastic models, magnets, magnifying glasses, puzzles, and construction sets.
Orange children are noisy, ___________________ , and freedom-loving. Because they want life to be action-packed and fun, they do what they want to do when they want to do it. So it seems like they’re always getting into trouble. They like ___________________ contests and games, especially if they can be played outside. Their bedrooms are usually messy and cluttered with toys, clothes, and sports equipment.
Childhood Characteristic Checklist
In Chapter 7 of Standing Naked in the Shower, I introduced a checklist to help you determine if your youngster is exhibiting Blue, Gold, Green, or Orange attitudes and characteristics. Here is a part of that checklist.
Blue Children
- Are ___________________ , kind, and compassionate by nature
- Are happy, warm, and helpful children
- Are easily disciplined and adapt well
- Do not respond well to physical punishment
- Like to ___________________ others
- Will do what an adult expects them to do
- Are ___________________ individuals
- Attach personalities to their toys
- May be devastated by the loss of a favorite toy
- Want ___________________ to get along
Gold Children
- Are helpful and ___________________
- Are generally obedient to authority figures
- Try to do the ___________________ thing
- Need a secure home environment
- Like crystal-clear instructions
- Need to know what is expected of them
- Usually do well in ___________________
- Like to help their teachers
- Will take charge when playing with other children
- Like ___________________ and organization
Green Children
- Are ___________________ children
- Ask many questions and like learning new things
- Are usually bright and learn early
- Don’t care to be cuddled
- Aren’t affectionate with ___________________
- Don’t like social gatherings
- Are ___________________
- Can be stubborn
- May seem to be self-___________________
- Don’t interact very well socially
Orange Children
- Seem to be more ___________________ than other children
- Are rowdy and rambunctious
- Are generally ___________________ children
- Are hard on their clothes
- Like ___________________ toys they can manipulate
- Will take apart their toys to see if it is possible
- Like working with tools and machinery
- Like risky and exciting activities
- Are competitive with siblings
- Like to ___________________ in front of others
I Want to Learn How to Rear Vibrant Children!
What’s Next?
The next bonus issue of Insights will focus on youth. In many families, the teenage years can be difficult and trying — not only for the teenagers but also for their parents, siblings, and peers. This chapter will clarify teenage temperament and then suggest some techniques for dealing with the teenagers in your life.