Search Here
My Virtual Physician is now offering pediatric behavioral health services. If you are concerned about your child's mental health needs, please book appointment with our pediatric cognitive-behavioral coach, Dr. Dalson: BOOK HERE
As parents, nurturing your children's cognitive-behavioral development is a priority. However, being proactive requires having a proper framework of understanding for how cognition works.
According to Jungian psychology and evidence-based research on cognition and personality, we can understand our cognition through 8 categories of “cognitive functions.” This article will focus on 4 of the 8.
Let's explore how parents can support their children in developing the healthy versions of these 4 functions while mitigating the risks associated with their unhealthy manifestations:
Definition: specific, concrete perception of inner world
Healthy Si: attention to detail, strong memory recall, and a sense of tradition and nostalgia.
Unhealthy Si: becoming overly resistant to change or fixated on past experiences.
Parents can nurture healthy Si by providing a stable and predictable environment, encouraging routines and rituals, and fostering an appreciation for history and tradition.
Guard against unhealthy Si by helping your child honor and uphold lessons from the past while still being open to new experiences, adaptability, and flexibility.
Definition: specific, concrete perception of outer world
Healthy Se: being present-focused, adventurous, and attuned to sensory experiences.
Unhealthy Se: sensory indulgence, hyperactivity, impulsivity, reckless behavior.
Parents can support the healthy version of Se by encouraging outdoor activities, sports, and creative endeavors that engage the senses.
Guard against unhealthy Se by teaching your child to balance spontaneity with consideration for consequences, patience, and self-discipline.
Definition: Broad, plethoric perception of inner world
Healthy Ni: insight, foresight, philosophizing, visionary imagination for meaningful, innovative ideas.
Unhealthy Ni: detachment from reality, neglect of present responsibilities, extreme frustration with unexpected outcomes
Parents can foster healthy Ni by encouraging imaginative play, exploring metaphors and symbolism, and providing opportunities for reflection, theorizing, philosophizing, and future planning.
Guard against unhealthy Ni by helping your child balance their focus on their future goals with activities they can enjoy at the present time. Guide them to seek evidence and diverse perspectives before drawing theoretical conclusions.
Definition: Broad, plethoric perception of outer world
Healthy Ne: spontaneity, diversity, innovation, and adaptability.
Unhealthy Ne: scattered thinking, indecisiveness, disrespect for tradition, inability to adhere to routines
Parents can support healthy Ne by encouraging curiosity, brainstorming activities, and exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives.
Guard against unhealthy Ne by helping your child think outside the box and try new things, without neglecting organization.
My Virtual Physician is now offering pediatric behavioral health services. If you are concerned about your child's mental health needs, please book appointment with our pediatric cognitive-behavioral coach, Dr. Dalson: BOOK HERE
