Temperament Trait - Adaptability
This is the 4th in a series of 11 blog posts about temperament. (Click here to return to the beginning)
Perhaps you've encountered a child who is very cautious initially, and takes a long time to warm up, but then finally adapts and is thoroughly enjoying himself just as it's time to go home, inevitably causing a ... meltdown. This child has a cautious First Response and gradual Adaptability which together make transitions particularly challenging. This is the same adult who struggles when plans are changed at the last minute but responds well to structure and routine.
As with every temperament trait there is nothing inherently wrong with being one way or another but when our environment, our workplace, our peers or our family operate at the other end of the spectrum it can be a struggle to fit in.
At the gradual adaptability/cautious end of the spectrum
babies struggle with moving back and forth between waking and sleeping and require lots of soothing in both circumstances
toddlers may rigidly oppose a change of menu or routine
children take their time to get to know a new teacher and form an opinion
teens are often loyal to old familiar friends
adults may feel overwhelmed by big changes in their lives and need time to transition
At the rapid adaptability/adventurous end of the spectrum
babies can adjust to changes in their environment with ease
toddlers will adjust quickly to the arrival of a new baby in the home
children are able to join in when faced with new people or situations
teens can manage a day full of transitions from one activity or home to another
adults are likely to enjoy the challenge of new opportunities
There are interesting scenarios that arise for children who have an adventurous First Response but take longer to adapt - they are the ones who will enthusiastically embrace new experiences only to find that they are overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the implications. And then there are those among us who have an automatic First Response of "no" but once we can get past that initial hesitation we find it relatively easy to adjust, actively working to quickly turn something new into something manageable and familiar.
For cautious children starting school or daycare may be daunting. While an adventurous child can jump into a group a cautious child might benefit from one-on-one playdates to establish new relationships. Intrusions and transitions may be tough for the child who adapts gradually. Routines that create predictability and familiarity are helpful as are ten minutes warnings prior to transitions and conversations that preview the day ahead.
For the adaptable child boredom may become an issue. Opportunities to be a leader, to try new things, and meet new people bring needed variation. It's also important to build in time for the adventurous child to reflect on which activities are genuine favourites.