Sanguine Children: Managing the Social and Expressive Personality
April 25, 2024
In a recent Crawford International blog, we delved into the topic of temperament in children. We described ‘temperament’ as a person’s inner nature, which affects their overall behaviour. We also explained that temperament makes up only part of a person’s larger personality and we identified the four different types of temperament, including: phlegmatic, melancholic, choleric and sanguine.
In that blog, we focussed on the characteristics of the high performing Choleric Child. Click here to read our blog called, Choleric Children: Diving into the dominant personality.
This blog is the second instalment in the temperament series and focuses on the Sanguine child aka Little Miss or Mr Social.
Outline of the sanguine temperament
The sanguine child is the most social of all the temperaments. They are not only a ray of sunshine in any room, but they are also the main source of fun in any social situation. Sanguine children are often the social glue that binds different personalities. They are usually popular and have many friends, spanning different social groups.
Sanguine children are also extremely observant. They notice small details of other people. “Are those new earrings Auntie Claire?,” or “It looks like you are limping, did you hurt yourself?” are typical statements to come out of a sanguine child. They have a way of making everyone they come across feel seen and important, and it’s because of this that they are so well-liked.
Core traits of a sanguine child
- Confident
- Optimistic
- Talkative
- Extroverted
- Influential
- Inspirational
- Creative
- Fun
- Poor concentration
- Impulsive
- Disorganised
Tips on how to support a sanguine child
Because the sanguine child is so much fun to be around, they tend to get away with a lot. Their yearning for adventure often means they find it hard to knuckle down and do their work. They often neglect to plan and find it hard to concentrate. When things don’t go their way, they will charm you with their personalities and “help” you forget their flaws. They are known as the “charming child”.
Here are some tips on how to support a sanguine child:
- Parents and teachers need to offer the sanguine child structure and routine – which they initially battle to put together themselves. The more simple the routine, the easier a sanguine child will stick to it. You will however need to monitor their progress and encourage consistency. This will help them organise their work and their lessons better, which will ultimately aid in better results.
- Going hand in hand with the structure and routine support, comes outlining clear expectations for your sanguine child. Setting rules and boundaries for them, and being consistent with your discipline, will help them to be more disciplined in their own work. They will then develop self-control and will therefore attain their goals.
- Parents and teachers need to allow the sanguine child to be creative. Give them opportunities to lead in areas of visual arts and music. Allow them to create lesson plans for the class, or to lead a section or topic, encouraging them to make it fun for the class. This is what they are good at, and they will be learning as they go.
- Compartmentalise larger tasks! Sanguine children get distracted easily and lose concentration quickly. If you break large projects into smaller tasks then it will make it easier for the sanguine child to tackle the work.
- Sanguine children like fun. So, make it fun! At Crawford International we pride ourselves on offering other ways of learning. Using games, visual aids, songs, re-enactments and even practical tasks to share knowledge.
- Sanguine children love praise – especially in front of their peers. Giving positive reinforcement will build you child’s confidence, and this will flow to their peers. Sanguine children always use their positivity to build others up around them.
In conclusion, sanguine children are a joy to teach and to parent. Remember to have a little patience, understanding and creativity, and your sanguine child will thrive and they will absolutely reach their full potential.
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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.
