As a parent, one of the most amazing things about having multiple children is seeing the differences between all of them as they grow. I canít tell you how many conversations I have had with my mom about nature versus nurture and about how each of my childrenís personalities have been shaped to make them unique individuals.
I recently had the opportunity to take a quiz that was developed by a child psychologist to determine the ìdreamerî traits of my children. This quiz was brief and included multiple choice questions such as what they love to do, how they react in certain situations, and how they express new ideas. The results determined a career that they may excel in. It was fascinating to see how different my girls were and to get to their suggested careers and say, ìYES!î I can see that!
My first-born has always been reliable, conscientious, a rule follower, cautious and an achiever. She is the definition of a first-born child if you are big into birth order! We have always treated her as if she was older that she actually was based on these personality traits.
If she is asked to clean her room, she inevitably ends up organizing something. If she talks about an idea she has, it is full of detail and she elaborates so much that you almost forget what the original idea was!
There was no surprise to me when her Dreamer traits led her to the category of Professional. She is described as detail oriented, observant and careful, well-regulated with a good sense of responsibility and many friends. Yep, that is her…exactly!! The quiz says that she may enjoy a career in business (summer lemonade stands are tradition!), law, engineering or science.
And then there is my second born, my middle. She has always been my spirited one. Head banging on the crib since she was 2 months old. INTENSE was the word I always used to describe her. If she decided to be upset about something, watch out, it was going to be big! At the same time, she is my most loving, caring, affectionate child. She thrives on friendships but has few, very close friends.
She is a people-pleaser but at the same time can be quite rebellious. This is the child that if asked to clean her room, would pick up a few of the strewn pieces of clothing and then be onto something else. And, she is ALWAYS singing. She is imaginative and has turned our entire basement into a school.
The Dreamer traits in this kiddo are creativity, uniqueness, and expressiveness and put her in the category of Artist. While she tends to be more emotional, she can learn to channel her energy via creativity. Her career path may lead down the road of a musician, painter, dancer, chef, journalist or author.
How do I cultivate these traits to provide my girls with as many opportunities as possible to pursue their dreams? PLAY! Here at “The Inspired Treehouse,” we talk all of the time about how important free play is. Unstructured, unscheduled time to be free to explore their interests that they are already naturally drawn to. While this quiz provided insight into their interests and possible career paths, I think it is so important to expose them to opportunities to let their imaginations run wild. Who knows where they will end up but, whatever they become, I hope they find the careers of their dreams!!
Tomorrowland is available on Blu-rayô, Digital HD & Disney Movies anywhere October 13. For more information on Tomorrowland you can visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Google+.