Does your home environment clash with your child’s nature? When your child is unsettled and uncooperative, they might be in an environment that clashes with their true nature.
Research shows that children fall into four main natures: Social, Strong, Sensitive, or Structured.
Just like adults, when children are in an environment that’s well suited to their nature, they thrive. But, when they’re in an environment that clashes with their nature, they struggle.
One of the most effective ways to create harmony in the home is to understand your child’s true nature. That way, you can create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and heard (even if their nature is different from yours or their siblings). In our previous article, we also discussed what to do when your child only wants you.
The Four Natures that determine how your home environment clash with your child’s nature are: Social, Strong, Sensitive, and Structured
How can you identify a child’s dominant nature?
Look at their movement and expressions.
Do they normally express high and loud movement or low and quiet movement?
High Movement
Social:
Upwardly buoyant in movement.
Fun-loving, random, playful, cheeky, and creative.
Always on the lookout for fun.
Expressions move upwards.
Disagreeing, demanding, and angry when upset.
May appear flighty, aloof, distracted, and restless when unsettled.
Strong:
Forward and quick in movement.
Reactive, determined, and competitive.
They are always on the lookout for action or to get a reaction.
Expressions move forwards.
Attacking, growly, pushing, and reactive when upset.
May appear aggressive, insensitive, and egocentric when unsettled.
Low Movement
Sensitive:
Downward flowing in movement.
Caring, quiet, intuitive, and peaceful.
They are always on the lookout to keep others comfortable.
Expressions move downwards.
Whining, nagging, and fretful when upset.
May appear hypersensitive, anxious, overwhelmed, and timid when unsettled.
Structured:
Still or structured in movement.
Observing first. Very literal, perfecting, intellectual, and serious.
They are always seeking information, asking questions, and analyzing situations.
Expressions are still serious.
Critical, disapproving, and judgmental when upset.
May appear pessimistic, anxious, stubborn, and indecisive when unsettled.
Let’s look at the perfect environments for each nature:
A Social child acts out when isolated from people and positive interactions, if required to sit for too long, or if there is conflict.
Common triggers for social children:
- Too much screen time
- Not enough movement, fun, or social time
- Criticism delivered in a heavy way
- Classroom structure too competitive or isolating
- Tension between parents
- A highly structured routine
Supernanny suggests: Have some fun! Take time to laugh together, and you will see their behavior change. When requiring their cooperation, joyfully remind them of the task at hand and the standard of behavior you expect. Remind them there is plenty of time for fun and games later.
Supporting the Strong nature
A Strong child acts out if an environment is too restricting or they haven’t had enough physical activity. If they do not feel challenged in their day-to-day activities, they will challenge their siblings or parents.
Common triggers for Strong children:
- Too much screen time and not enough physical movement
- Feeling unchallenged at school
- Controlling parents
- Not having opportunities to be in charge or lead others
- Feeling stopped, stifled, or boxed in
Supernanny suggests: Giving a Strong child control over as many things in their world as possible. Ensure they are always challenged. Make daily chores and transitions a competition to get them engaged. For example, race them to the dinner table or challenge them on who can pick up the most toys the fastest.
Supporting the Sensitive child
The sensitive child appears whiny or tearful when they are uncomfortable or their environment is too overwhelming. They also feel deep concern for others. Their big feelings can take over and show up as anxiety.
Common triggers for Sensitive children:
- Too much screen time and not enough personal connection with loved ones
- Feeling unheard and invisible
- Tension between parents
- Not having information about their routine
- Feeling rushed or pushed into things
Supernanny suggests: Providing a safe space where the Sensitive child can regroup and process their emotions. Touch is very important, as is information about what’s happening – next week and next month. A weekly visual planner will instantly put them at ease.
Supporting a Structured child
A Structured child either becomes withdrawn or bold and snappy when they do not feel respected by their authority. They like to be trusted to take care of things that relate to them. Socializing will burn them out if they do not balance it with alone time. They have high internal standards and feelings of incompetence can lead to anxious and depressive thought patterns.
Common triggers for Structured children:
- Too much screen time, not enough time alone with thoughts
- Feeling disrespected and misunderstood
- Controlling parents or authoritative figures
- Not having anything to perfect or improve
- Feeling embarrassed or put on the spot
Supernanny suggests: Respecting the Structured nature for the wise old soul they innately are. Take them seriously and support their intellectual mind by answering their questions and ensuring information about the world is available to them.
I hope this helps you to know what to do when your home environment clashes with your child’s nature.
