Understanding Your Child: Type 8 of 9

In this post, I discuss type 8 of 9

Core Motivation: feel powerful;                                                                                          

Action Goal: take charge of people & circumstances

Children strongly influenced by a type 8 core personality are likely to develop a reputation for bullying.  Often, these children are not aware of how their behavior makes others feel.  They generally do not realize that other children do not know how to stand up to them.  As such, they conclude that they have ‘won fair and square’ even when they have gotten their way through sheer intimidation.  Type 8 children respond more positively to adult direction that makes room for the child to exercise some power in the process.

If you are wondering whether a child you know is influenced by a type 8 personality, it may help to ask yourself these questions:

A.     Does the child often act in a way that is perceived as ‘bossy?’

B.     Is the child quick to communicate when he or she is upset?

C.     Is the child generally resistant to being told what to do?

D.     Does the child prefer to play with children who want to follow?

E.     Are other children intimidated by or afraid of this child?

All of these statements would be true for most children influenced by a type 8 core personality.  As always, wings influence the core type, so there may be some minor exceptions.  Type 8 children are often identified by caregivers as disruptive and tough to manage.  However, grownups who understand the need these children have to feel empowered, can appreciate the confidence of these children and their willingness to take risks and go after what they want.