A Snapshot of your child…

Strategic Problem Solvers tend to be independent, strong-willed and competitive. Their thirst for knowledge and love of learning drives them to excel and often results in their being “over-achievers.” Their thought process can be complex and they “connect most dots” quite easily. As a result, they love to – and are usually gifted at – figuring things out. Strategic Problem Solvers can be challenging to parent because they often like to argue or “push back” – especially when something doesn’t make sense or seem fair to them. Because they’re driven to be the best, they’re usually good at whatever interests them, but can become bored if they’re not adequately challenged. They usually come across as confident and self-assured, but may also appear somewhat aloof, and may not show affection easily. Although every individual is unique, research shows that Strategic Problem Solvers may have a lower-than-average risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Have the conversation

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional health, it’s important for you have a conversation with them – even if it may be uncomfortable.

Choose a time and place where you won’t be interrupted – especially by electronic devices! Understand that most sensitive children have a hard time reaching out and sharing their feelings, so it’s critically important that you create a safe, quiet space and that your child has your complete, undivided attention. This sends them the message they desperately need to hear: “You are so important to me. I am here for you, and I can help you with whatever is troubling you.”

How to connect with your child

Parents and children whose personality types are quite different often struggle to communicate. When parents can meet their children where they are – and communicate more in the child’s style, the conversation is much more satisfying for both parent and child. Here are some tried-and-true suggestions about how to engage your Strategic Problem Solver child:

• Compliment them on their creative ideas and logical arguments; be willing to let them win.

• Model open and honest communication of feelings; help them develop kindness and tactfulness.

• Expect to be challenged and respect their strong need for independence. 

• Be fair and consistent in discipline; explain the logical, rational reasons for decisions and rules.

• Don’t take a lack of affection personally and find common interests to foster closeness and intimacy.
  

Trusted Resources

Here is a list of trusted resources that may be helpful.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI 

Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts from the CDC 

How to Help Children and Teens Cope With Stress and Anxiety 

The Child Health and Development Institute 

The Highly Sensitive Person 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

International Association for Suicide Prevention

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Crisis text line

For a deeper understanding of your child based on their personality type, preview Nurture By Nature – the most comprehensive resource about personality type and parenting by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron.

Evidence-based research

The TPI-C assessment and information shared in this report are the result of the most comprehensive original peer-reviewed study of its kind involving 10,500 subjects. It established a strong statistical correlation between inborn personality type and anxiety and depression and was conducted by Paul D. Tieger and a team of researchers at a leading academic institution. 

Have questions or comments?

Please contact Paul D. Tieger, creator of the TPI-C™. You can learn more about him here.