EXTROVERTED

FLEXIBLE

BIG PICTURE

These kiddos gain energy by engaging with outside stimuli: people, activities, conversation, etc. They prefer to go and do and need to talk out loud to process their thoughts. You can expect extraverted kiddos to enjoy playing and interacting with friends rather than being alone. 

Parrots naturally focus on the bigger picture rather than the details. They come up with new ideas for doing things and think about future implications for current decisions. They are more interested in thinking about future possibilities than actualities. They are curious observers who can sense inconsistencies; they will notice clues like tone of voice, a momentary pause, or body language that is inconsistent with words. Because of this, they tend to be able to predict what will happen before it happens. 

They prefer spontaneity and a loosely held schedule because the unplanned and unexpected brings an abundance of joy and excitement. They enjoy having the ability to work, play, and have fun all at the same time. They are pressure-prompted and will get their best ideas at the last minute. 

A LOOK Inside the PARROT's Brain

EXTROVERTED

BIG PICTURE

FLEXIBLE

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 Parrots receive information into their brain, they maintain a state of curiosity towards life, and they focus on brainstorming possibilities. They have an abundance of ideas and get inspired when they can talk about their ideas. They are not interested in what’s been done before; they want to invent new and exciting ways of doing things. They are natural entrepreneurial-minded and start by seeing, experiencing, and deciphering what’s around them. With this data, they mash-up concepts they’ve learned and create something unusual and compelling. This is why Parrots need to engage in a variety of experiences. Allow them to try all the sports and activities they’re interested in. 

This kiddo’s superpower is generating ideas; however, ideas don’t just appear in their brain fully formed. To understand this unique brain wiring, think of a Parrot’s brain as a popcorn machine. There are thousands of raw kernels, and with the right environment, ideas start to pop up rapidly. As these kiddos are given opportunities to explore, try new things, take risks, face challenges, and find patterns in life, the raw kernels start to pop into bigger ideas. All the experiences, activities, ideas, and projects they engage in as children develop their ability to lead others and act as a catalyst for change as adults. 

With so many ideas being tossed around, it can be difficult for a Parrot to focus and settle on just one. It is unlikely that they’ll follow through on every idea they think of. They are easily distracted and tend to jump from one project to the next, oftentimes without completing it. This can make them seem indecisive when, in reality, they are doing what their brain does best: enthusiastically following the many ideas their mind is creating.

They’ll continue to ask questions until they fully understand it, all resources are exhausted, or something else distracts their attention. There needs not to be an order or system to pursue their ideas — it’s completely satisfying and thrilling to follow their impulses as they come.

Because of their high energy, it may feel like Parrots 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. Parrots will benefit significantly with patient adults who will 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 Parrot rather than control them. They learn through exploration and discovery, and they do not want to be controlled. These kiddos thrive with patient adults who will talk through everything and recognize when their curious appetite needs satisfying while keeping them safe.