Raising an ESTJ Child as an INFP Parent

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) outlines 16 types of personalities. Each personality type has its own set of traits, preferences, and tendencies, which can significantly influence parenting styles. The personality types are based on 4 dichotomies:

• Extraversion (E) vs Introversion (I)
• Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N)
• Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F)
• Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P)

From the analytical and precise to the imaginative and holistic, each of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) brings its own set of strengths and challenges when it comes to parenting. Let’s explore how an INFP parent can navigate their parenting strengths and weaknesses when raising an ESTJ child.

INFP Strengths:

As an INFP parent, your awareness of your own emotional world, combined with your empathy and creativity, are your superpowers. You are devoted to creating a warm and nurturing environment where your child can explore their interests.

INFP Weaknesses:

You might find it challenging to meet the ESTJ child's need for structure, organization, and decisiveness. Their practicality can clash with your idealism. You may also find it difficult to deal with the ESTJ child’s tendency to boss other children around, or act like they are the boss of you. 

Overcoming Weaknesses:

• Be firm without sacrificing your gentleness 

• Establish routines while allowing room for their independence

• Appreciate Their Strengths: Celebrate their leadership and organizational skills.

Raising Tips:

• Acknowledge Achievements: ESTJs thrive on recognition. Praise their accomplishments.

• Encourage Leadership Roles: Support their desire for leadership positions in school or extracurricular activities.

• Teach Empathy: Help them understand and appreciate different perspectives.

• Lead by Example: Show them the value of kindness and emotional intelligence.

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