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While the “core” temperament of a child is biological, it can be influenced by their culture. Some cultures put more emphasis on assertiveness and leadership, while others may encourage creativity and calmness. The personality traits a culture values will be reflected in the way its people interact with their children. As a child care professional, be aware that every child in your care comes from a different cultural background.
When partnering with parents, remember to be sensitive to these cultural differences.
Some parents may like that their child is on the feisty side. Others may enjoy the slow-to-warm characteristics that their child presents. Child care professionals should never try and change a child’s temperament, but rather work with parents to help their child make the most of their individual temperament.
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“Goodness of Fit”
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Goodness of fit is simply defined as the compatibility between environment and a child’s temperament (Thomas & Chess, 1977). To ensure that there is a good fit between child and caretaker, teachers will need to adapt their actions to meet the needs of their students. Be aware of your own temperament type and how it reflects on your daily teaching.
When goodness of fit occurs in the classroom, positive relationships will begin to form between you and your students.
Daily struggles will lessen, and you will notice that your classroom will have a much calmer atmosphere. However, if caretakers are not respectful of temperament and do little or nothing to accommodate the children in their care, poorness of fit occurs.
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