The Joy is in the Details: Type Tip #24

Children with a Sensing preference enjoy sharing all the rich details of an event. How could you possibly understand the ending if you don't know all the pieces? When asked to describe a presentation at school a young child who prefers Sensing started with "We were on Unit 22 - Rounding" and then she continued with explicit details. Their joy is sharing. If you do not have time to listen to everything it would be better to say, "Tell me Chapters 1 and 2 now and save the rest of the story for later. I can listen better then." Hurrying a child's (Sensing preference) narration can send a secondary message that the details are not important when they really are important to them.

Extraverted Introversion?! Type Tip #23

People who prefer Introversion, in familiar settings, may actually look like they prefer Extraversion. Their hesitation and reflection may only occur when processing new thoughts or in new situations. Their daily interactions may appear extraverted to someone watching, especially if the young person with an Introversion preference is with a group of close friends.

Judging Preference Play-time: Type Tip #22

Young people who prefer Judging enjoy play and spontaneity so long as these activities do not distract them from finishing a task they are working to complete. They tend to hurry to finish homework right away not because they are more "responsible" but because they cannot relax and enjoy the play if there is work to be done. They say, "I do my homework right away so I can have more time to play."

Type and Decision-Making: Type Tip #21

Use the Z-model of decision-making with children just as you do with adults. Before bringing closure to a decision, they should answer four key questions.

1. Do we have all the information we need? (Sensing)
2. Should we consider other possibilities? (Intuition)
3. Is this reasonable? Can we really do it? (Thinking)
4. Is this important? Is it worth my time? (Feeling)

They may need help answering the questions but asking the questions prepares them to look at an issue from a variety of perspectives. These four questions are only an example. Many others could be used.

Making a Choice: Type Tip #20

Give CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES. Every time a child makes an independent choice, they choose a way to process the options and make a selection. This action allows for type exploration and type development. Even infants and toddlers can make choices. With toddlers, instead of the command, "Sit here" say, "Which chair would you like to use?" We may not know the basis for the choice but reaching a decision would require taking in information and making a choice, resulting in personal development.