Temperament is defined as "constitutionally based individual differences" in emotions, activity, and self-regulation (Rothbart & Bates, 2006). "Constitutionally based" refers to traits that are genetically inherited. In other words, your child is genetically predisposed to a certain temperament.
Is temperament the same as personality? No, although some researchers believe that there is a fine line between the two. Personality is generally learned (honesty) whereas temperament (aggressiveness, shyness) is inherited.
Can you as the parent change your child’s temperament? Most research says that temperament cannot be changed but that child-rearing practices can modify the way a child expresses himself.
Harsh parenting combined with a negative temperament can create antisocial, destructive children (Caspi, 2002). Some children naturally cope more easily whereas a shy child must control fear to approach a stranger, and an impulsive child must constrain her desire and resist temptation (Derryberry et al.,2003).
Help your child modify counterproductive traits by recognizing their temperament. Parents and caregivers should find a goodness of fit, a temperamental adjustment that allows for smooth parent/child interaction. Finding a good fit will help your child learn more productive coping skills and adjust more easily to daily challenges.
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