A Guide for Every Type
Discovering and nurturing your child’s unique personality can lead to a lifetime of empowerment and understanding. One powerful tool that can help parents on this journey is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)(r). While every individual is unique, having an understanding of your child’s personality type can give you a starting point for fostering their strengths and providing support in areas of growth.
Identifying Your Child’s MBTI Type:
While children continue to grow and evolve, and their personalities may seem fluid, patterns often emerge by early adolescence. Recognize the signs:
- Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E): Does your child prefer quiet, solitary activities or being in a group setting? Introverted children may feel recharged through alone time while extroverted children often seek out social interaction.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Does your child focus on the present, tangible facts or are they more about ideas and possibilities? Sensing children often like details and routines, while intuitive children are drawn to the big picture and the ‘what ifs’.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Is your child more logical and decision-oriented or are they led by their emotions? Thinkers approach situations with logic while feelers rely on their emotions.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Does your child prefer structure and planning or do they thrive in spontaneity? Judging children like consistency and structure, while perceiving children enjoy flexibility.
Strategies for Every Type:
1. ISTJ – The Responsible Realist: Strengths: Dependable, practical, and organized. Nurturing Tips: Establish routines and provide clear expectations. Allow them opportunities to set and achieve their own goals.
2. ISFJ – The Compassionate Caretaker: Strengths: Warm, reliable, and attentive to others. Nurturing Tips: Validate their feelings, provide a supportive environment, and engage in activities that promote care and service.
3. INFJ – The Visionary Confidant: Strengths: Insightful, empathetic, and purpose-driven. Nurturing Tips: Encourage their creative expressions, provide opportunities for deep conversation, and recognize their need for solitude.
4. INTJ – The Independent Strategist: Strengths: Analytical, driven, and self-confident. Nurturing Tips: Encourage their thirst for knowledge, provide resources for independent learning, and respect their need for personal space.
5. ISTP – The Adventurous Tinkerer: Strengths: Practical, observant, and hands-on. Nurturing Tips: Offer tools and materials for exploration, foster their independence, and provide real-world challenges.
6. ISFP – The Artistic Spirit: Strengths: Gentle, adaptable, and artistic. Nurturing Tips: Create an environment for artistic expression, validate their emotions, and allow space for exploration.
7. INFP – The Dreamy Idealist: Strengths: Imaginative, sensitive, and individualistic. Nurturing Tips: Encourage their creative outlets, be patient with their emotional depth, and appreciate their unique perspectives.
8. INTP – The Intellectual Explorer: Strengths: Curious, analytical, and independent. Nurturing Tips: Feed their thirst for knowledge, offer puzzles and challenges, and respect their autonomy.
9. ESTP – The Energetic Doer: Strengths: Energetic, adaptable, and pragmatic. Nurturing Tips: Engage in physical activities together, allow room for exploration, and be patient with their impulsiveness.
10. ESFP – The Enthusiastic Entertainer: Strengths: Vibrant, sociable, and spontaneous. Nurturing Tips: Provide platforms for self-expression, engage in playful activities, and celebrate their achievements.
11. ENFP – The Imaginative Motivator: Strengths: Energetic, optimistic, and creative. Nurturing Tips: Offer opportunities for social interactions, support their many hobbies, and validate their feelings.
12. ENTP – The Innovative Debater: Strengths: Witty, creative, and challenging the status quo. Nurturing Tips: Engage in intellectual debates, provide varied experiences, and celebrate their innovative ideas.
13. ESTJ – The Efficient Organizer: Strengths: Practical, organized, and assertive. Nurturing Tips: Set clear rules and guidelines, engage in structured activities, and appreciate their dedication.
14. ESFJ – The Supportive Contributor: Strengths: Warm, cooperative, and dutiful. Nurturing Tips: Encourage their role in group settings, provide positive feedback, and engage in community service together.
15. ENFJ – The Compassionate Facilitator: Strengths: Charismatic, empathetic, and inspiring. Nurturing Tips: Offer platforms for leadership roles, validate their emotions and engage in group activities.
16. ENTJ – The Confident Director: Strengths: Assertive, strategic, and visionary. Nurturing Tips: Offer challenges, appreciate their determination, and support their leadership aspirations.
Final Thoughts:
Remember, every child is a unique blend of nature and nurture. While the MBTI(r) provides insights, it’s essential to view your child as an individual, not just a type. Encourage exploration, be patient, and most importantly, show them unconditional love and understanding as they discover their own path.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
