There are no two children that are alike and from the moment they’re born, children show unique ways of reacting to the world. Some are more easygoing, and others are more intense or cautious. These early differences are what psychologists call temperamentand understanding it can make a world of difference in raising children.
Temperament refers to the natural tendencies in how a child feels and behaves, which are displayed during infancy. Some children are naturally adventurous and outgoing, while others prefer routine and take longer to warm up. Research shows that temperament is influenced by both genes and their environment. While certain traits may run in families, the way parents respond and support their child can greatly shape how these traits develop over time.
Temperament plays a key role in how children handle emotions, form friendships, and even face challenges in school. Studies have found that children who easily experience frustration or fear (high negative emotionality) may be more prone to anxiety or depression later in life. Those with low impulse control or difficulty focusing may be more likely to show signs of ADHD or other behavioral issues. Children who are naturally shy or inhibited can thrive when parents help them build confidence in social settings. Temperament can create certain risk factors or strengths depending on how it interacts with life experiences.
An important idea from this research is the concept of goodness of fit. This means that a child’s well-being often depends on how well their temperament matches their environment and their parents’ style. By understanding a child’s natural style, their home environment can be adjusted to better suit their growth into resilient adults. When parents meet children where they are, rather than where parents wish they were, both the children and parents will thrive.
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Angelina Stofka
UConn KIDS, Research Assistant