Raising an INFJ 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 INFJ child.

INFP Strengths:

Your deep empathy and understanding create a compassionate and nurturing environment for your INFJ child to thrive.

INFP Weaknesses:

Balancing the INFJ’s need for structure and planning might be challenging. Their decisiveness can sometimes clash with your desire to explore all options. In addition, their willingness to maintain social harmony may conflict with your values for personal authenticity. 

Overcoming Weaknesses:

• Support Their Vision: Help them translate their big ideas into actionable plans.
• Value Their Social Insight: Acknowledge their intuitive understanding of people and situations.
• Respect their routines while helping them practice flexibility.

Raising Tips:

• Encourage Reflection: INFJs benefit from quiet introspection. Provide space for their thoughts.
• Engage in meaningful conversations about ethics, values, and the world– INFJs thrive when they can influence social harmony.
• Respect Their Privacy: INFJs value their inner worlds; respect their need for solitude.

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