How to Raise a Child With a Type A Personality

Raising a child with a Type A personality can be challenging much of the time, particularly if you or other family members have more relaxed views on life 12. His need for speed and desire to tackle multiple projects all at once can be tiresome for his friends and family. Therefore, it is crucial that you learn how to tolerate his needs and slow him down occasionally without breaking his spirit.

What is Type A Personality?

A child with a Type A personality is typically quite competitive; this may result in him being a perfectionist or mortified anytime that he isn’t number one 12. These personality types tackle a challenge as if the world depends on it, as stated by the Psychology Today website 12. A youngster who is Type A is able to multitask quite efficiently and usually excels at all or most of the tasks. This often results in the child having high expectations of himself and others, which might lead to stress or disillusionment.

Handling a Type A's Need for Speed

Your child may grasp ideas quickly, thus becoming frustrated or angry when you try to explain an idea or task in detail. Try using short, concise sentences to get the idea across to him. When he states that he understands, don’t elaborate, believe him and trust in his ability. Since the child is often quicker to comprehend directions, he may become impatient with his friends who are slower in catching on. When this happens, explain that everyone listens, learns and comprehends at different levels and speeds. This doesn’t mean they are not as intelligent as he is; it simply means that they are gifted in different ways.

Monitoring His Self-Esteem

Many type A individuals tend to be self-critical, as suggested by the Simply Psychology website 2. Not only do they beat themselves up over seemingly imperfect projects or scenarios, they tend to be highly critical of others who do not have the same amount of ambition or drive. Praise the youngster with this personality often; not only when he does a job well but anytime he gives it his best effort. Stress to him that no one can be the best at everything and that it is important he put things in proper perspective. Ask him to name what is the worst thing that could happen if he weren’t the best at something. Chances are, the world won’t stop revolving. Tell him when he doesn’t excel at something, it is the perfect opportunity to make someone else feel good by praising her and letting her have the glory for once.

Getting the Child to Relax

Explain to your aggressive and competitive youngster that there is a time for everything, and that includes relaxation. Teach him that it is not only okay to take a break every now and then, it is vital to his good health, according to the 2 Know Myself website. Insist that he go on a bike ride to the local park with the rest of the family or his friends. Invite him to cuddle up with you and a big bowl of popcorn to watch a current movie. Incorporate regular downtime into his busy and hectic schedule. These are effective ways to teach him that relaxation is just as important to his well-being as his next project or 10.