OTTER
Dominant Cognitive Function: Extraverted Sensor
ESFP // ESTP
We think your kiddo might be an...
Fun, adventurous, energetic and spontaneous. These kiddos are FULL of life with tons of energy who do everything in a BIG way. They prefer an uninhibited environment where they can be friends with everyone and experience life hands-on. These kiddos are incredibly aware of their surroundings and happiest when given opportunities to try new things and be the center of attention. Life is seen as one big party!
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• Fun, playful, generous and witty, with an abundance of energy and spark of pizzazz.
• Happiest when engaging with people and being able to show off their talents to the world.
• They live in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or daydreaming about the future.
• They immediately experience sounds, sights and smells before other people do.
Kiddos with this type tend to be:
13% of kiddos
are Otters
How They Recharge:
Surrounded by people and lots of stimuli.
How They Think:
Otters focus on the external world of details and data. To gain full understanding, they actively ask questions until all resources are exhausted, or something else distracts their attention. Since they are entirely absorbed by what they sense in the outside world, 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.
How They Communicate:
They process their thoughts and feelings out loud. Allow them space to verbally express themselves, especially when upset. They may be melodramatic but remember that their thoughts are still in process and may not reflect their final opinion.
They Tend to Listen Better if:
Their abilities are acknowledged first; then the request is made. They will mirror the behavior of a primary caregiver and will respond best when a request is made in a practical, calm and kind manner. They need to be reminded of what’s expected of them in different environments. (Have a conversation right before going into a store, play date, doctor's office, etc. to get on the same page.)
What Motivates Them:
Praise, laughter, fun, and adoration from others. “Doing!” They tend to have very short attention spans and find it difficult to sit still for more than a few minutes without anything to do.
How to Your Otter
Know
Extraverted
Think by talking outloud and asking questions
Communication is expressive and melodramatic
Hear information best in a practical & appreciative way
Motivated by laughter
and fun
An Otter has an abundance of energy that requires them to eat frequently. Otters don't have a blubber layer to keep warm or store energy for the future, so they have to eat 25% of their body mass every day just to survive!
Otter's LOVE to play. When not eating or hunting, they have been known to make slides along the banks of the water.
They are social animals and are usually never alone. Even when they nap in the water, they link arms so they don't drift away from each other. Totes adorbs right?!
Otter mom's are all about fostering/adopting. They will raise other Otter pups that are not their own.
• Consistent rules, boundaries, and expectations.
• A purpose, job or responsibility that is theirs to own.
• Adults who understand how to channel their high energy without squashing their cheerful spirit.
What They Need Most
• Daily verbal praise and appreciation on their helpfulness and competence.
• Be present—engage in conversation and enjoy their performing abilities and talents.
How You Can Connect
• They have a keen eye for aesthetics and a desire to be surrounded by finer things.
• Doing it themselves - when adults give them as many independent, hands-on activities as possible.
• Attention and making others laugh.
What They Value
How to Your Otter
Love
CONNECT
VALUE
NEEDS
Unique Challenges for Parenting an Otter
These kiddos live “in the now” and usually experience sounds, sights, taste and smells before other people do. They get so completely absorbed by what they sense in the outside world that they tend to be easily distracted. Their curiosity can get the best of them and they can have a hard time remembering or observing rules. Reminders of expectations and boundaries in any given situation is absolutely necessary. Ask questions and allow them to be a part of the discussion rather than lecture them.
Their desire to be hands-on and help with everything, can sometimes create more work for adults. Be patient. Give them as many age-appropriate freedoms and responsibilities as possible while being very clear with responsibilities, instructions and expectations. Before starting a project together, explain what they can and can’t help with. They will appreciate learning new creative outlets, hobbies or skills that will allow them more autonomy and freedom.
High Energy
Squirrel!
Do'ers
Allow them opportunities to wear themselves out rather than wearing you out. If you feel yourself getting exasperated from their energy, instead of telling them to “calm down,” offer a solution for that energy: jump on a trampoline, count to 50 backward, take five deep breaths together, or get a kids Fitbit for achieving activity goals. It takes a lot of mental and emotional energy to parent these kiddos. Apply the “it takes a village” mindset with other trusted adults who can step in and offer breaks.