Phlegmatic - let's do it the easy way!

Phlegmatics desire to avoid conflict.  They are characterised with an even disposition, balanced and pleasing personality, contentment, kindness, diplomacy and a steady strength.

They can tend to lack decisiveness, enthusiasm and energy and avoid conflict at all costs. They have a hidden will of iron.

As leaders they tend to keep calm, cool and collected and don't make impulsive decisions. They are recognised by their calm approach and relaxed posture.

They are afraid of having to be the one to make decisions or major changes. They get depressed when life is full of conflict. They react to stress by tuning out.

Parents of phlegmatics need to not rush theses children and teach them to take initiative.

Melancholy - let's do it the right way!

The melancholy has the ability to organise, can set long range goals and has high ideals. They analyze deeply and complete tasks well and on time.

Melancholy types can be easily depressed as they remember the negatives and tend to be suspicious of others. They usually overprepare and become too focused on details.

As leaders they organise well, are sensitive to others, are deeply creative and want quality performance. They are afraid of making a mistake, having their feelings misunderstood and having to compromise standards.

They get depressed when life is out of order and when standards aren't met. Then they intend to withdraw, give up, get depressed and cry.

Melancholy nature is serious and sensitive and enjoys private time.

Parenting this type needs to focus on helping them get thier emotions under control and to speak words of life to others. It is also important that they have an area of their own that can be tidy and right.  

Choleric - let's do it my way!

The strength of the choleric is their ability to take charge, to make quick, correct judgements and to be goal oriented. They desire to have control and are full of ambition, energy and passion.

Weakness include the tendency to be bossy, insensitve, quick to anger, impatient and unwilling to delegate. They can be unwilling to give credit to others.

They have a natural feel for what we work and sincerely believe they can achieve. Their greatest fear is losing control of everything.

Choloerics get depressed life is out of control and when people won't do things their way. They react to stress by tightening control, working harder and yelling.

They are recognised by their fast moving approach to life, self-confidence and a restless attitude.

Parents of the choleric child need to ensure the chid has an area they can be in control of (e.g. one section of the yard, a portion of their toys) and will need to focus on self-control training.

Instructions need to be calm, firm (unmoving) and non emotional.

Sanguine - let's do it the fun way!

One of the many helpful talks from the recent Growing Families National Conference was called "What in the World Are They Thinking?: Understanding Temperaments".

Temperament refers to your God-given, inborn, emotional and behavioural pre-dispositions or inclinations.
It doesn't change.
Personality and character however can be altered by life experiences, environment etc.

Sanguines are extroverted, people oriented types, who love to have fun.

They are characterised by talking and a bubbling personality. They inspire and charm and recharge by having social time.

Sanguines can be disorganised, late and prone to exaggeration. They are worried about being unpopular or bored.

They are recognised by their loud volume and bright eyes.

To parent a sanguine child, provide lots of social interaction, time for talking and music for background when they are focusing and concentrating on a task.

Enjoy this God-given personality!