ESTP Parenting Style
The Artisans
Introduction
Parenting is an intricate dance that varies from family to family, influenced by countless factors, such as culture, personal beliefs, and—importantly—personality type. One intriguing model for understanding how personality influences our roles as parents is David Keirsey’s “Please Understand Me II, Temperament, Character, Intelligence.” Keirsey provides invaluable insights into how different temperaments handle life’s challenges, including parenthood. This blog post aims to delve deep into the parenting style of individuals belonging to the ESTP personality type, a part of Keirsey’s Artisans group.
Who are the Artisans?
Before we focus on the ESTP’s parenting style, it’s essential to understand the basic characteristics that define Artisans. Artisans are spontaneous, practical, and drawn to the tangible world. They revel in the present moment and exhibit the following attributes:
Strengths
- Adaptability: Artisans are incredibly flexible, adapting to situations as they unfold.
- Practicality: A no-nonsense approach makes Artisans excellent problem solvers.
- Spontaneity: Life is never dull with an Artisan, who loves spur-of-the-moment adventures.
Weaknesses
- Impulsivity: Their love for spontaneity can sometimes lead to rash decisions.
- Lack of Long-Term Planning: Artisans are more focused on the ‘now,’ which can hinder future planning.
- Risk-Taking: While their adventurous spirit is commendable, it can sometimes border on recklessness.
Basic Traits of ESTP Personality Type
ESTPs are commonly known as the “Doers” or “Dynamicians,” and they epitomize the Artisan temperament in many ways. Here are some defining traits:
- Extraverted: They enjoy social interaction and usually have a broad circle of friends and acquaintances.
- Sensing: ESTPs focus on the present and are detail-oriented, often noticing things that others overlook.
- Thinking: Logic and objectivity guide their decisions.
- Perceiving: Flexible and adaptable, ESTPs are not usually bound by traditions or norms.
The ESTP Parenting Style
Now that we have laid the groundwork, let’s delve into the parenting style commonly exhibited by ESTP individuals.
The Doer Meets The Diaper: Practical Parenting
ESTPs approach parenting much like they do other aspects of life—head-on and practically. These parents are hands-on, often engaging in physical activities and adventures with their kids.
Master of The Moment
ESTPs excel at making the most of the present. Whether it’s a spontaneous camping trip or an unplanned movie night, ESTP parents make everyday activities fun and memorable.
The Double-Edged Sword: Risk and Responsibility
While their love for adventure makes ESTPs exciting parents, it can also be a concern. These parents must remember that what seems like a fun risk to an adult may not always be appropriate for a child.
Discipline and Flexibility
ESTP parents are not known for being strict disciplinarians. Their flexible nature makes them more likely to discuss consequences logically rather than impose stringent rules, which can be both a strength and a weakness in their parenting style.
Conclusion
ESTP parents, with their innate Artisan traits, bring a unique and dynamic flavor to parenthood. Their adaptability, focus on the present, and practicality make them exciting, loving, and hands-on parents. However, their tendency towards impulsivity and risk-taking could be areas for improvement. Understanding these tendencies can offer invaluable insights into optimizing their parenting style to provide a balanced and enriching environment for their children.
We hope this blog post helps you understand the parenting style of ESTP individuals better, offering a nuanced look at how their Artisan temperament plays a pivotal role in their approach to raising children.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
