When does a child begin to develop a personality? According to Dr Sharon Ramey, Child Behaviorist, she states:
"A child's personality begins to form before the child is born. A child's temperament—whether the child is shy or outgoing, quick to react or slow to react—some of those things are probably influenced by biology and what we inherit. But the wonderful thing about personality is that it's not fixed, and how parents respond to a baby can help shape the personality in a way that will be to a child's advantage. You want a child who is open to experiences, not too much of a daredevil and not too shy, but ultimately your child will be his or her own person."So what she and others have said is that our dynamic little ones are pre-programmed, to a degree, with wiring from mommy and daddy before they even enter this world. But as her parents/guardian angels/providers after her birth, we can exert a limited amount of influence and control to round out our little bean.
Since Lauren's birth, Lorraine and I have been engaged in an ongoing discussion about which of Lauren's characteristics we can connect to one of us, and who "she got
that from". Generally, we can safely attribute all "princess" behavior to her dear mother, and all "anally retentive, type A personality" characteristics to moi. There are also a few wacky things that Lauren does that makes me scratch my head and wonder just how realistic deviant genes are.
Regardless, here's what we've noted so far:
Like Mommy (written by Daddy):- Doesn't like green vegetables (they both seem to have a gag reflex)
- Likes her food to be given in a neat presentation and order (not mixed or touching each other)
- Doesn't approve of unhygienic bodily conditions (she's never liked wearing a wet or dirty diaper for one second afterwards, enjoys her nightly baths, wipes her own mouth clean when eating)
- Is a cranky-pants when she doesn't get her sleep
- Defiant, smart-ass-like qualities
Like Daddy (from one woman's [Mommy's] point of view):- Very inquisitive of all things seen, said, and heard (often leading to trouble)
- Enjoys listening to herself talk (often not making any sense)
- Selectively distributes cuddles (only when she's good and ready)
- Won't stop until she gets what she wants
- Loves meal times
Like both:- Stubborn
- Very stubborn
Like who?:- Insists on pooping while standing up. Yes, it's a bizarre act that's been going on for as long as we can remember. Lauren's been inclined to stand on her feet since she was a month old. When time to do #2, and in mommy or daddy's lap, she reaches up to be held upright, stands, grunts, bends forward at her waist, bases her head on your chest, and poops. We know she's finished when her body goes limp and she begins a satisfied, soothing babble. Perhaps this situation is one where we should exercise our parental capabilities to "help shape the personality in a way that will be to a child's advantage", as Dr Ramey suggests. Here she is in action...
