Temperament Trait - Intensity
This is the 9th in a series of 11 blog posts about temperament. (Click here to return to the beginning)
How much emotional and physical energy a person has when responding to people and situations determines their intensity level. Are you someone with BIG reactions? Do you giggle with delight, scream with fear, shiver with cold, storm with anger perhaps even throw things? Or are you someone with small reactions? Small changes in facial expression, body language, posture indicate your responses, you rarely fuss, shrugging your shoulders is a major response?
At the high intensity end of the spectrum are those with dramatic, passionate responses while at the low intensity end the spectrum responses are more muted and mellow.
At the high intensity end of the spectrum
Baby doesn't just cry but "let's it rip!"
Toddler laughs loudly and bodily when amused
Child uses words like "never" "always" "hate" and "love" to describe ordinary events
Teen will live life out loud and online in exclamation marks
Adult are more attuned to arguments grounded in emotional appeals
At the low intensity end of the spectrum
Baby may grizzle rather than cry
Toddler has a mellow affect, smiles when amused
Child is less likely to personalize an event
Teen may appear indifferent despite having strong opinions
Adult are more attuned to arguments grounded in rational appeals
For the low intensity child it's okay to dial things up to engage her attention. By choosing music with a dynamic beat, using a dramatic voice while reading, being silly and creative and interactive you're drawing your child out. The key is to encourage self expression through words, drama, writing, art, play, storytelling, dress up, and music.
For your high intensity child it's okay to dial things back and draw her attention to the subtleties and nuances of a situation. Validate strong feelings but model milder forms of expression - for e.g. it's okay to be mad but temper tantrums are unpleasant for everyone. This child is likely to be drawn to the expressive arts but could also benefit from learning the discipline of something like yoga, martial arts and team play. Help this child by giving words to feelings.