Baby Personality Development

Babies are born with certain personality traits.

Every baby has his own distinct personality. Sometimes parents wonder how kids can be so different when raised in the same environment. Most experts agree that infants are born with a set of personality traits. Some are evident immediately, while others appear by 3 or 4 months. Although you cannot change the traits your baby is born with, you can provide opportunities for him to realize his full potential.

Schedules

Some babies are born with a sense of organization, wanting to eat and sleep at specific times. When dealing with a schedule-oriented baby, structure your day around his schedule to make your life easier. As he gets older introduce minor changes into his day gradually to prepare him for bigger disruptions he will face as he grows.

Another baby may be unpredictable giving the schedule-driven parent nightmares. Sometimes she is hungry in the morning or she doesn’t want to eat at all. She may go to bed at 6 p.m. ,10 p.m. or not at all. Try not to be overly controlling about routine, and allow her flexibility while maintaining controls over the important things.

Social Awareness

A baby may smile and coo at every stranger who comes along. She seems to have no anxiety around strangers. Give this social butterfly the opportunity to be social in playgroups, at the park and even when you go shopping.

Other babies seem to be born with anxiety over strangers and even with relatives. They may be clingy and fearful. They should not be forced into social situations, even among family members. Allow them to move slowly into the social scene. Allow opportunities for socialization while not forcing the issue. Most will eventually come around.

Sensitivity

Babies react to stimuli in different ways. A “laid back” baby may be oblivious to loud noises or excitement or even a wet diaper. It may be difficult to tell when something is wrong, so keep a watch on this easy-going sort so that you know when things aren’t right.

A more sensitive sort may have adverse reactions to stimuli making it difficult to expose him to loud, noisy situations with lots of external stimuli. Introduce him to stimuli gradually.

Disposition

Perhaps one of the most puzzling of personality traits is a baby’s disposition. Parents wonder how one baby is so easy-going and generally happy while his sibling is grumpy for no apparent reason.

For the happy baby there is not much to do but enjoy your interactions with him. He is playful and loves your attention. But for the less playful one, don’t fret. Just continue to talk, sing to and play with him to encourage a happier attitude.

Implications

There are obviously many factors affecting the development of a baby’s personality. Regardless of the inborn characteristics, events happen in babies' lives that help to form their personalities as well. Taking a child where he is and helping him adapt is the best that a parent can do. A parent’s acceptance of the baby’s traits and reactions to them will help the baby to become a well-adjusted content child and adult.

References

• Kids Development: Personality Development in Babies