Bears and Monkeys – the clash of parents and children

I’m not really talking about bears and monkeys – well, not the bears and monkeys you know.

Actually, many of you are bears (45% of the population)
And many of you have monkey children (35-40% of the population).

OK, let me explain.

Bears are the guardian type personality.  See if you identify with these characteristics:

• Practical
• Traditional
• A good citizen, follows the rules
• Follows directions
• Cautious
• Economical
• Seeks security
• Worries about things
• Values authority
• Compliant

Monkeys are the artisan type personality.  See if this sounds like your child (this is Steven!!!)

Steven at his Bike Rodeo in 1st Grade He of course thought he was going to win!!!

• Likes to have fun
• Excitable
• Non-conventional
• Seeks independence
• Wants to do what s/he wants
• Lives in the moment
• Stimulus hunger
• Uninhibited
• Changeable
• Risk taker
• Easily wound up
• Easily bored
• Bold and daring

Sound familiar???  If you happen to be this special parent child relationship of bear to monkey, I know you have had many, many frustrating moments together.

Make sure to read tomorrow’s blog when I’ll explain the different misbehaviors of each type and how to motivate your child!  (I have all the secrets!)

Characteristics and animal types from :
      Golay, Keith Ph.D. The Relationship of Temperament & Learning Styles to YMES Class Management, 2005 YMES  
                   Jamboree.