It’s good to know what ingredients make up your kiddo’s personality; however, it’s also helpful to understand how this plays out at home. 

As Otters receive information into their brain, their primary focus is on the environmental details around them, which they experience through their senses. Nothing gets passed these kiddos; they notice everything and accurately remember facts, experiences, and data. 

To understand this unique brain wiring, here’s an example: Otters have a sort of inborn surveillance system inside their brain that doesn’t seem to turn off while they’re awake. This system is highly sensitive to stimuli and is constantly scanning the environment to understand new sounds, sights, smells, and tastes. Their brain processes how these sensations feel inside and outside of their body. Because of this, they are easily distracted and tend to act impulsively because they want to satisfy their curiosity. They ask themselves questions like, “What is that?” or, “How does that work?” and then they immediately go figure it out. They will continue to ask questions until they fully understand it, all resources are exhausted, or something else distracts their attention. To them, it’s completely satisfying and thrilling to follow their impulses as they come.

They are so absorbed by what they sense in the outside world that they’re able to quickly assess cues from an adult’s tone of voice and body language to see how far they can push the limits to get their desired outcome. This is thrilling to them and can be exhausting to adults. 

Because of their internal surveillance system, it may feel like Otters don’t have an off switch. They talk a lot and tend to interrupt. They tend to grab things they’re curious about or take physical risks without thinking about the implications. Otters will benefit significantly with patient adults who teach them self-control without squashing their curiosity and love for life. One parenting strategy that tends to be effective is the book Choice Theory by Dr. Glasser. Implementing this strategy will teach them how to take responsibility for their life and, at the same time, lessen how far they push the limits. Choice theory will help empower and build a positive relationship with your Otter rather than control them. They learn through doing and discovery, and they do not want to be controlled. These kiddos thrive with patient adults who know and love them well, and they will talk through everything. It would benefit Otters if adults stayed two steps ahead of them - recognizing when their curious appetite needs satisfying while keeping them safe.