Dominant Cognitive Function: Extraverted Sensor
ESFP // ESTP
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!
• 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.
13% of kiddos
are Otters
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.
• Daily verbal praise and appreciation on their helpfulness and competence.
• Be present—engage in conversation and enjoy their performing abilities and talents.
• 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.
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.
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.