Quarantined Tips for the Temperaments

We are living in unprecedented times! I am amazed every day as I read neighborhood chats and social media posts by the wide variety of reactions people are having to everything regarding COVID 19.

“I am absolutely loving having my family around me, keeping them safe and providing for them.”
“I am going completely nuts without one moment to myself, day after day!”
“I wake up anxious not knowing what to expect tomorrow or the next day.”
“I am not worried about it. What happens happens!”
“When I wear my mask people seem to part like the red sea and judge me.”
“When I don’t wear my mask, I get dirty looks.”

There are so many perspectives because there are so many types of people and if you are like me, you have quite an assortment of personalities “sheltering in place” and creating ll sorts of unique family dynamics!

Introverts

Introverts recharge by being alone, so the quarantine can be a wonderful time for them. However, it can also bring some challenges especially for parents who are used to having their day to recharge while the kids are in school. Be sure to designate quiet times during the day where kid have projects, movies, games, crafts in their room

Time with family can be both a comfort and a challenge for introverts. If there are extroverted siblings, your introvert will need a Quiet Corner in their room or somewhere in the house, where they can be alone. Unplugging from social media and social situations will be a relief for them and may teach them boundaries from technology when this is all over. They will thrive with plenty of time to read, watch movies, listen to music and recharge.

Be aware that introverts can be more anxious and may hold their fears inside. Encourage them to keep a gratitude journal where they can write or draw things they are thankful for when a worrisome thought comes to their mind. It will also help them to move their body and get fresh air.

Check-in with them and try to spend one on one time with them at some point during the day taking a walk together or playing Legos alongside them in their room.

Extroverts

Extroverts recharge by being around people so the quarantine can be challenging for them since they don’t have the social outlet they are used to. Remind them that all their friends are alone as well so they aren’t missing out on anything. Some people don’t realize that they also recharge by DOING things. Keep your extroverts busy with lots of projects, activities and time outside throughout the day. Allow them to do virtual hangouts with their friends, text, and talk on the phone. Be sure they are respecting their introverted siblings (and parents) by respecting a quiet time and allowing them their space.

Need a plan, structure. They may wake up cranky because the whole day is looming before them and they have no plan. This also goes for some of the Eagle and Human types. They may not have the realization to tell you this is why they snapped at you. They are oriented in the PAST so they may be comforted by the positive memories you have had.

They naturally struggle with anxiety because their core need is security. They don’t like change and don’t handle it well. Establish a routine for them and have lots of crafts and activities on hand for them to complete. They can be busy-bodies who need tasks.

Have a schedule you stick to each day.

Give them a list of chores or tasks to “help mom” with.

Have a craft box with a list of ideas for projects.

Let them be a part of the cause. Write thankyou notes or draw pictures for nurses, doctors, fast food workers etc.

Mindful moments for them to breathe and be in the present when they are anxious.

Focus on the victories and practice gratitude to combat anxiety.

Stay in touch with family. Have them do virtual calls, write letters, look at photo albums.

Limit/or completely take away their access to the news. Put devices in a basket for blocks of time during the day.

SP’s need to be active and DOING! Being cooped up is going to be very difficult for a lion child or even mom or dad! They are IN THE MOMENT and may not seem to be too worried about the crisis at hand. If this is the case, don’t shame them or make them feel guilty. Their resilience is a gift! Mindfulness practices teach you to be present in the moment, so applaud this quality in them and let them know you are learning from them not to be anxious!

Have a dance-off throughout the day to get some of their silliness out.

Set up a work-out zone with a mini-tramp, obstacle course, pillows to punch, weights, exercise chart.

Sensory activities like PlayDoh, baths, massages, baking cookies, dancing, jumping, running around the yard, fresh air, smelling spices.

If they are old enough let them play social video games so they can interact with their friends.

Let them play outside as much as possible.

Try not to stress over the mess. SP’s are relaxed and tend to start things and not finish. At the end of the day, play some upbeat music and race to see how fast you can clean up the house. Have fewer rules, but be consistent and firm with the rules that are in place.

Whenever you can, let life teach them.

Include competition and challenges for them.

NF’s are creative and relational. They are future-focused so they can become restless in the moment. They will need ways to connect with their friends and loved ones. They need to find a greater purpose in their activities. They have HIGH expectations and often feel like they aren’t enough.

When they are doing a craft, encourage them to make it for someone which will give them more purpose and meet their needs to connect with people.

Encourage them to write a book or story, complete with book poster, cover design and illustrations.

They may enjoy creating a quarantine cookbook with recipes to share with friends.

Many NF’s love reading and telling others about what they read. Help them start a virtual book club.

Help them do something to inspire others in the neighborhood. Chalk art in front of houses, an art contest, positive notes on doors, bears in the window, stuffed animal safari

NF’s love baking and trying new recipes, the more creative the better.

Encourage them to write letters or make greeting cards for family and friends, healthcare workers, etc.

Keep many craft supplies on hand. Even trash items can be used in their creativity. An empty Ben and Jerry’s carton can be filled with cake balls to look like ice cream scoops.

NTs are rational and independent. They will want to learn as much as they can about the virus. Because they are future-focused, they may struggle with anxiety so limit the information they are taking in. Turn their learning toward the success other countries are having in testing and creating a vaccine. They love technology, math and science so be sure to give them opportunities to experiment. NTs would rather learn from experimenting or drawing their own conclusions, so as often as you can let life teach them. Use collaborative problem solving versus arbitrary mandates.

Once you have clean and organized your home (like many of us have due to being stuck inside), let them take apart and examine old appliances or other discarded items around the house.

Order a book of science experiments or find them online.

Let them have access to a computer (with filters) for following their curiosities.

Encourage them to write a sci-fi story or create something with trash/odds and ends around the house.

Let them be in charge of something “grown-up” like spraying bleach water on shoes or sanitizing packages that come to the door.