Choleric Children: Diving into the dominant personality
April 5, 2024
Choleric Children: Diving Into The Dominant Personality
Have you ever heard anyone say, “He has such a lovely temperament” or, “She can be very temperamental?” Have you ever wondered what that really means? The dictionary will tell you that temperament is a person’s nature or consistent behaviour. The important thing to remember, however, is that temperament makes up only part of a person’s larger personality.
At Crawford International, we are aware that all children have different personality types and different temperaments, and we strive to teach all of them in the way that they will learn best, a personalised learning journey.
There are four identified temperaments. They are: phlegmatic, melancholic, sanguine, and choleric.
A phlegmatic temperament is one found in an easy-going child, They are usually very relaxed, contemplative, and often shy. The phlegmatic child is a peace-loving soul who would rather be left to their own devices than to be stirred into action.
A melancholic child is a deep thinker and a sensitive soul. They are extremely averse to risk and challenge and rather look at a situation with compassion and understanding.
The sanguine temperament is the most social and happy of all the temperaments. They are energised by change and spur-of-the-moment decisions. They are usually positive people and like to talk, and talk, and talk.
A breakdown of the Choleric Child:
The final temperament, and the focus of our blog today, is the choleric child:
Outline of the Choleric Temperament
The choleric child can be described as the ‘hero’ child. They are highly motivated, results-driven people who always want to win. They have intense interests in many different things and always achieve well in whatever they do. They are ambitious and will take on projects, sports, and activities with lots of energy, often dominating other kids in the process. They are born leaders, but sometimes they can be so focused on results that they overlook feelings and may lack compassion.
Traits of a choleric child
- Confident and assertive
- Self-motivated
- Energetic
- Decisive
- Goal orientated
- Can be quick-tempered and often irritable
- May have control issues.
Tips on how to support a choleric child
The choleric child is not a walk in the park, but they are certainly a fun ride and a constant source of pride for parents. They have big personalities and they need “big” parenting and positive reinforcement in all teaching. Here are some tips on how to support a choleric child:
- Choleric children are often so driven, that when they don’t win they have a tendency to take it very hard. Parents and teachers need to offer positive verbal cues and an analytical situation assessment, which will help them to see the bigger picture and to recognise that lessons learned are often the real ‘win’.
- Choleric children are outspoken and say whatever comes to mind. They do this because they are analytical, not emotional, and can sometimes be out of touch with other people’s feelings. Here, parents and teachers need to slow the choleric child down and to encourage them to think before they speak and to consider the perspective and feelings of others.
- Choleric children have an innate need to control and often dominate situations. While this leads to natural leadership roles, at other times this can be overbearing to other children. Parents and teachers must acknowledge the choleric child’s need for control and allocate “important” tasks to them that they can self-manage.
- A choleric child will have a strong desire to try new things and will make it their mission to conquer those things. Parents and teachers, don’t stand in their way! Get behind them with the tools, lessons, books, and people, who will be able to give them the best shot at achieving.
- A choleric child has a need for independence. They want to do it on their own because they want you to be proud of them when it’s done. Parents and teachers, you need to offer the choleric child trust. Nobody wants their child to burn themselves with fire, but if you teach a choleric child to build a fire properly, then step back and allow them to do it – they will surprise you with how well it will be done.
- Choleric children can often become frustrated because things are not moving as fast as they need them to or because they are not in control of the situation. This can cause conflict with their peers, parents, and teachers alike. Parents and teachers be patient. Allow the choleric child the time to cool down, then discuss the matter with them in a mature, quiet, and caring way.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
