By Jo-Anne Dietrich
Sleep Consultant

Every child has their own unique sleep journey, which can be influenced by their temperament and personality. Understanding your child’s personality can help you determine why they may take longer to sleep through the night or adjust to any changes in their sleep routine.

There are different temperaments, and no single type is better than another. Once you understand how your child’s personality can affect their sleep, you can work out the best way to support them to sleep and make any change if needed.

Dr W. Thomas Boyce, a paediatrician, has identified three common types of temperament among children, which he has compared to flowers. These types are dandelions, tulips, and orchids. Although there is variation within each temperament type, this simple classification helps us to understand our children better.

Dandelion

Dandelion children are generally resilient and adaptable. They are less anxious and likely to bounce back quickly from challenges. They also have an easy time adjusting to sleep changes, and missing a nap does not usually affect them.

Tulip

Tulip children are more sensitive to their surroundings and may take longer to adapt to new environments and people. When it comes to sleep, they require more time and reassurance to adjust to changes. Consistency and gentle support are essential in helping these children establish a new sleep routine.

Orchid

Children with an orchid temperament tend to be highly sensitive to their environment and people around them. They may experience difficulty adjusting to changes and may require more support and reassurance when it comes to sleep. These babies may wake up more frequently during the night. Like most children, the orchid thrives with consistency and predictable routines. It is crucial to understand that changes may take longer for children with an orchid temperament, and that you may need to provide them with slow and loving support to help them adjust.

Appreciating that your child’s temperament is unique to them will help you understand why some children may sleep easier or take longer than others. Every sleep journey is different, and there can be several reasons why your child may be struggling with sleep.

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About the author.

 

Jo-Anne has three boys who now all sleep well, but this wasn’t always the case. Her middle child found sleep difficult, but Jo-Anne was able to improve his sleep with gentle techniques. As she continued to work with families, she realised that she wasn’t the only parent who was struggling with sleep deprivation, so she decided to learn more about the science of sleep and did extensive training to become a sleep consultant. Jo-Anne is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants, a member of the IPSA and founder of Happy Nights Infant sleep. Book an appointment with Jo-Anne today By listening to families and getting a complete understanding Jo-Anne helps families in a way that they feel really supported.