One of each

 

My cousin, Cheryl, told me about The Treasure Tree when she was here visiting last summer.  The book uses four animals--otter, beaver, golden retriever, and lion--to teach about the different personalities in story form. I bought it and read it aloud to the kids, and they loved it. We were able to talk together about which one they each most resembled. It was a pretty easy and fun discussion because, it turns out, we have one of each! Kari is our Beaver, Joel our Golden Retriever, Aubrey our Otter, and Grant our Lion.

 

Here are the descriptions of each:

Beaver

--Is neat and tidy and notices little details

--Sticks with something until it's done. Doesn't like to quit in the middle of a game

--Likes things done the same way

--Asks lots of questions

--Tells things just the way they are

Very much Kari! I believe she is what the author would call a "pure-bred" beaver.

 

Golden Retriever

--Always loyal and faithful to friends

--Listens carefully to others

--Likes to help others. Feels sad when others are hurt

--Is a peacemaker. Doesn't like it when others argue

--Patient and willing to wait for something

That's our Joel!

 

Otter

--Talks a lot and tells wild stories

--Likes to do all kind of fun things

--Enjoys being in groups

--Full of energy and always eager to play

--Always happy and sees the good part of everything

That's our social Aubrey!

 

Lion

--Is daring and unafraid in new situations

--Likes to be a leader. Often tells others how to do things

--Ready to take on any kind of challenge

--Is firm and serious about what is expected

--Makes decisions quickly

Yep, that's Grant, even at three-years-old, that's Grant!

 

Isn't is interesting that God gave us one of each personality type? We'll see what other traits emerge over the years as they change and grow. I don't want to put my kids in "boxes" necessarily, but it is helpful to be able to talk with them about the different personality traits and how each one is unique and special in their own way.  It also helps us to know how to parent each of them by recognizing and valuing their God-given bents. Good, good stuff!