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English classes offer students the opportunity to explore literature, develop critical thinking skills, and hone their communication abilities. By understanding how each of the Jungian functions can contribute to success in English, students can approach these courses with confidence and excel in their studies. Let's delve into how each function can be harnessed to enhance academic performance in English classes:

Introverted Thinking (Ti): Introverted Thinking plays a crucial role in English by focusing on analyzing information internally and understanding underlying themes and structures within literary works. Students who rely on Ti excel in English by critiquing plots and character arcs, questioning story components, and constructing logical arguments in their analyses. They benefit from organizing their thoughts systematically and delving deep into the nuances of literary interpretation.
Extroverted Thinking (Te): Extroverted Thinking emphasizes objective analysis and logical reasoning based on external data, which can be invaluable in English classes. Students who favor Te excel in English by approaching texts with a methodical mindset, constructing well-organized essays with clear arguments, and synthesizing evidence to support their interpretations. They thrive in structured environments where they can apply systematic approaches to literary analysis.
Introverted Feeling (Fi): Introverted Feeling contributes to success in English by connecting with personal values and emotions, allowing students to engage deeply with the themes and characters in literature. Students with a strong Fi excel by empathizing with the experiences of literary figures, exploring the emotional resonance of texts, and expressing their personal interpretations with conviction. They benefit from connecting with literature on a deeply personal level and finding meaning in their analyses.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Extroverted Feeling emphasizes understanding and responding to the emotions of others, which can be valuable in discussions and group projects in English classes. Students who utilize Fe excel by fostering inclusive environments, facilitating meaningful discussions, and collaborating effectively with peers to explore diverse perspectives on literary texts. They thrive in environments that encourage empathy and cooperation.
Introverted Sensing (Si): Introverted Sensing contributes to success in English by drawing on past experiences and memories to inform interpretations of literary works. Students with a strong Si excel by recalling details from texts, recognizing recurring themes or motifs, and making connections between different works of literature. They benefit from reviewing previous readings and identifying patterns to deepen their understanding of literary analysis.
Extroverted Sensing (Se): Extroverted Sensing emphasizes engaging with the present environment, which can be beneficial in experiencing literature through sensory details and vivid imagery. Students who favor Se excel in English by immersing themselves in the sensory aspects of texts, appreciating the language and imagery used by authors, and vividly describing scenes in their writing. They thrive in discussions that encourage close observation and sensory exploration of literary texts.
Introverted Intuition (Ni): Introverted Intuition plays a crucial role in English by synthesizing insights and uncovering underlying themes or patterns within literary works. Students with a strong Ni excel by identifying themes, anticipating narrative twists or symbolic meanings, and developing insightful interpretations that go beyond surface-level analysis. They benefit from exploring the deeper layers of literature and uncovering hidden meanings.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): Extroverted Intuition emphasizes exploring possibilities and generating ideas, which can be valuable in approaching literature with creativity and imagination. Students who utilize Ne excel in English by brainstorming innovative interpretations, exploring alternative perspectives on texts, and generating original ideas for essays or creative projects. They thrive in environments that encourage experimentation and open-minded exploration of literary themes.

By understanding and leveraging the strengths of each Jungian function, students can approach English classes with a diverse toolkit for success. Whether it's through critical analysis, creative interpretation, or empathetic engagement with texts, embracing these functions can unlock new opportunities for growth and enrichment in the study of literature.

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Navigating the complexities of science courses requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Understanding how each of the eight Jungian functions can contribute to academic success in science is crucial for students aiming to excel in these subjects. Let’s explore how each function can be utilized to enhance performance in science courses:

Introverted Thinking (Ti): Introverted Thinking focuses on analyzing information internally and understanding the underlying "why's" and "how's" behind everything. Students who rely on Ti can excel in science by dissecting complex concepts, identifying patterns, and formulating logical explanations. They benefit from breaking down problems into smaller components, organizing their thoughts systematically, and developing comprehensive theories.
Extroverted Thinking (Te): Extroverted Thinking emphasizes logical results and objective analysis of external data. Students who favor Te excel in science by approaching problems methodically, setting clear goals, and implementing efficient strategies to achieve results. They thrive in structured environments, where they can apply systematic approaches to experimentation, data interpretation, and decision-making.
Introverted Feeling (Fi): Introverted Feeling focuses on understanding personal values and emotional responses. While it may seem less directly applicable to science, students with a strong Fi can excel by connecting with their passion for discovery and making meaningful contributions to scientific research. They benefit from pursuing topics aligned with their values, exploring moral considerations in science, and advocating for causes they believe in.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Extroverted Feeling emphasizes understanding and responding to the emotions of others. Students who utilize Fe can excel in science by fostering collaborative environments, building strong relationships with peers and mentors, and effectively communicating their ideas. They thrive in group projects, where they can leverage their interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and consensus-building.
Introverted Sensing (Si): Introverted Sensing focuses on recalling past experiences and applying established procedures. Students with a strong Si can excel in science by drawing on their memory for details, following lab protocols accurately, and organizing information in a structured manner. They benefit from reviewing previous experiments, identifying trends, and applying lessons learned to new situations.
Extroverted Sensing (Se): Extroverted Sensing emphasizes engaging with the present environment and gathering concrete data through sensory experiences. Students who favor Se excel in science by actively observing phenomena, conducting hands-on experiments, and exploring the tangible aspects of scientific concepts. They thrive in lab settings, where they can immerse themselves in practical applications of theory.
Introverted Intuition (Ni): Introverted Intuition focuses on synthesizing insights and envisioning possibilities internally. Students with a strong Ni can excel in science by predicting outcomes, anticipating future trends, and generating innovative solutions to complex problems. They benefit from exploring interdisciplinary approaches, planning strategically, and working toward meaningful, longlasting outcomes.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): Extroverted Intuition emphasizes exploring possibilities and generating ideas through external stimuli. Students who utilize Ne excel in science by brainstorming creative solutions, exploring alternative hypotheses, and embracing experimentation. They thrive in environments that encourage exploration and innovation, where they can contribute fresh perspectives and adapt to changing circumstances.

Incorporating these Jungian functions into your approach to science education can enhance your academic performance and foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. By recognizing your natural preferences and strengths, you can tailor your study habits, collaborate effectively with peers, and embrace diverse perspectives, ultimately setting yourself up for success in your scientific endeavors.

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:

Introverted Sensing (Si)

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.

Extroverted Sensing (Se)

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.

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

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.

Extroverted Intuition (Ne)

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.

Storytelling has long been recognized as a powerful tool for nurturing children's cognitive and behavioral development. And in the realm of children's literature, stories featuring talking animals hold a special place, captivating young minds with their whimsical tales and valuable life lessons. However, the benefits of these stories extend beyond mere entertainment; they can significantly impact the cognitive-behavioral well-being of both children and parents alike.

Let’s explore how reading stories about talking animals can be beneficial for the cognitive-behavioral well-being of both children and parents.

Benefits for Children:

Perspective-Taking: Through stories about talking animals, children are transported into imaginative worlds where animals possess human-like characteristics and emotions. Yet at the same time, the characters retain their animal identities, which means the characters will have experiences and lifestyles that differ from humans. By reading about such characters, children are prompted to adopt different perspectives, allowing them to empathize with the experiences and challenges faced by those who are different from them. By understanding the world through the eyes of talking animals, children develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of perspectives.
Imagination: The fantastical world of talking animals stimulates children's imaginations, transporting them to magical realms where anything is possible. Talking animal stories often feature characters from various species with distinct traits, abilities, and backgrounds. As children engage with these stories, they learn to recognize and appreciate differences among individuals, fostering inspiration for how these differences can offer value for the world. Exposure to such fictional characters will prompt children to explore endless possibilities, fueling their creativity and expanding their imaginative capacities for how they can improve or support different areas in the world.
Moral Inspiration and Motivation: Many stories about talking animals convey important moral lessons and values through the adventures of their characters. By witnessing animals displaying qualities such as bravery, kindness, and resilience, children are inspired to emulate these virtues in their own lives, fostering moral development and motivation for positive behavior. And the motivation for positive behavior is stronger than when reading stories about humans displaying the same qualities– since it is expected that fictional humans will act humanely with such qualities, children are much more excited when fictional animals adopt the same qualities as well. Consequently, reading about animals in fiction will more strongly inspire children to think critically and develop a sense of responsibility and integrity in their own decision-making.

Benefits for Parents:

Perspective-Taking: While children engage in perspective-taking through the lens of talking animal characters, parents benefit from a different perspective shift. By immersing themselves in these stories alongside their children, parents gain insights into their children's thought processes and emotional experiences. This enhances their ability to empathize with their children's perspectives and strengthens the parent-child bond. Additionally, independently reading stories about animals can prompt adults to be more mindful about different perspectives and experiences other adults in their lives may have, such as colleagues, neighbors, or acquaintances. By becoming more mindful of other people’s perspectives, adults can be better prepared to help teach children how to understand and respect others’ differences.
Imagination: Reading stories about talking animals alongside their children allows parents to reconnect with their own sense of imagination and wonder. Through the shared experience of exploring fantastical worlds and characters, parents can rediscover the joy of storytelling and ignite their own creative sparks. And since adults obviously have more life experience than a child, they can learn how to weigh reality and imagination, guiding their children to use their imaginations to handle what is realistically probable in addition to what is creatively possible.
Moral Inspiration and Motivation: The moral themes embedded in stories about talking animals provide parents with valuable opportunities to engage in discussions about ethics and values with their children. As parents guide their children through these conversations, they are reminded of the importance of modeling positive behavior and instilling moral principles in their children. As adults, it is easy to mistakenly believe that because we are older, we already know what’s good for us and what moral decisions we should be making. It’s even easier to mistakenly believe that morality is subjective and that anyone who is old enough can decide what is right and wrong in their own eyes, and that we are in no need of further teaching on moral lessons. However, since no human is perfect, there will always be endless opportunities for each human to self-grow and become better versions of themselves. By reflecting on stories where non-human characters make moral decisions that humans are aware of, adults can stay mindful that even simple moral lessons hold great weight and should not be taken for granted. Such stories also prompt us to reflect more deeply on certain moral lessons, and just the state of imagining a cute or ferocious animal making good, moral decisions like a human can help us better appreciate the value that such moral lessons can have in our lives.

There are many cognitive-behavioral benefits for children and parents when it comes to reading and reflecting on animal stories. While children develop empathy and critical thinking skills, parents gain insights into their children's perspectives while enhancing their own understanding of diversity and ethical decision-making. Additionally, the shared experience of reading stories about talking animals strengthens the parent-child relationship and fosters a positive environment for mutual growth and learning. As families embark on these literary adventures, they not only cultivate empathy and understanding but also foster a sense of connection and shared values that transcend the pages of a storybook.

In the vast literary landscape for children, there exists a timeless gem that continues to captivate young minds and foster meaningful discussions within families: the Bunnicula series by James Howe. Beyond its surface-level charm of adorable pets and amusing adventures, Bunnicula offers a rich tapestry of themes that promote cognitive-behavioral well-being in both children and their parents. Let's explore how delving into the adventures of Harold the dog, Chester the cat, and the supposed vampire rabbit called Bunnicula can pave the way for emotional growth and understanding.

Handling Uncertainty

One of the most prominent aspects of the Bunnicula series is the recurring theme of uncertainty, epitomized by Chester's over-suspicious and conspiratorial behavior around Bunnicula. First off, Bunnicula is a rabbit who leaves vegetables drained of color after sinking his teeth in them. Chester the cat develops an unending suspicion that Bunnicula is a vampire, believing him to be a threat.

Chester's incessant paranoia serves as a mirror to the anxieties children often face when confronting the unknown, or when confronting something unfamiliar. By witnessing Chester's exaggerated fears and Harold's more balanced perspective, young readers can learn to differentiate between rational concerns and irrational paranoia.

Through the characters' experiences, children can grasp the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning when dealing with uncertainty. Moreover, engaging in discussions about Chester's behavior allows parents to address their children's fears and anxieties in a safe and supportive environment. By exploring the root causes of uncertainty and learning to approach them with rationality and calmness, families can cultivate resilience and emotional well-being in the face of the unknown.

Openness

The addition of a new, unconventional rabbit to the Monroe household challenges the pets' preconceived notions and prejudices. Chester, in particular, embodies reluctance and close-mindedness in accepting Bunnicula, whose peculiar habits and mysterious origins unsettle him. On the other hand, Harold– the canine narrator of the story– demonstrates friendliness, curiosity, and compassion for the new rabbit.

By comparing how the two characters handle Bunnicula’s presence and habits, children can learn the importance of curiosity, empathy, and acceptance when encountering the unfamiliar. Parents, in turn, can facilitate discussions around embracing diversity, respecting individual differences, and challenging stereotypes, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding within the family unit.

The Bunnicula series has great potential as a catalyst for cognitive-behavioral well-being in both children and their parents. By delving into the themes of uncertainty and openness, families can embark on a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and growth. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery: Deborah Howe, James Howe: 9781416928171: Amazon.com: Books

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 theories about cognition and personality (link to Harry’s book), we can understand our cognition through 8 categories of “cognitive functions.” In the previous article, we discussed 4 of the 8 functions. Here, we will focus on the remaining 4.

Let's explore how parents can support their children in developing the healthy versions of these 4 cognitive functions while mitigating the risks associated with their unhealthy manifestations:

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Definition: judging internal logical order.

Healthy Ti: logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and a penchant for critical analysis.

Unhealthy Ti: overthinking everything, becoming overly detached or dismissive of emotions, overestimating personal intelligence

Healthy Ti involves logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and a penchant for critical analysis. Parents can foster this by encouraging their children to ask questions, explore ideas independently, and engage in activities that stimulate their analytical thinking, such as puzzles and logic games. However, it's crucial to prevent Ti from becoming overly detached or dismissive of emotions. Encourage open communication and validate your child's feelings to prevent them from retreating into intellectualization as a coping mechanism.

Extroverted Thinking (Te)

Definition: judging outer logical order.

Healthy version: organization, efficiency, and effective decision-making.

Unhealthy version: bossy, gives unsolicited advice, overworks oneself

Te in its healthy form is characterized by organization, efficiency, and effective decision-making. Parents can support this by providing structure and routines, encouraging responsibility, and involving children in planning and problem-solving activities. However, beware of fostering an overly rigid or authoritarian mindset. Encourage flexibility, creativity, and empathy to ensure that Te is balanced with consideration for others' perspectives and feelings.

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Definition: judging internal emotional order.

Healthy version: authentic, self-expressive, passionate about their values

Unhealthy version: overly sensitive, emotionally volatile or pessimistic, unrealistically idealistic

Healthy Fi involves a strong sense of values, authenticity, and empathy. Parents can nurture this by encouraging their children to explore and express their emotions, validating their feelings, and teaching them to stand up for their beliefs. However, be mindful of the tendency for Fi to become overly self-absorbed or judgmental. Encourage your child to consider others' perspectives, practice active listening, and cultivate compassion and understanding towards others.

Extroverted Feeling (Fe)

Definition: judging external emotional order.

Healthy version: harmonizing, charismatic, great at emotionally interacting with others

Unhealthy version: emotionally manipulative, desperate for social approval, overly dependent on relationships with others

Fe in its healthy expression involves empathy, diplomacy, and harmonious interpersonal relationships. Parents can support this by teaching their children to be considerate of others' feelings, fostering cooperation and teamwork, and modeling positive social behaviors. However, be cautious of Fe becoming excessively people-pleasing or sacrificing one's own needs for the sake of harmony. Encourage assertiveness, boundary-setting, and self-care to ensure that your child's emotional well-being is prioritized alongside their relationships with others.

In conclusion, being proactive with your child's cognitive development involves understanding and nurturing each of the eight Jungian cognitive functions in their healthy forms while mitigating the risks associated with their unhealthy manifestations. By providing a supportive and enriching environment that balances structure with flexibility, empathy with critical thinking, and curiosity with discipline, parents can empower their children to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence, resilience, and creativity.

According to evidence-based personality psychology, there are 8 major cognitive styles our brains can use: extravert sensing (Se), introvert sensing (Si), extravert intuition (Ne), introvert intuition (Ni), extravert thinking (Te), introvert thinking (Ti), extravert feeling (Fe), introvert feeling (Fi). Please refer to this article for detailed descriptions of these cognitive styles: Virtual Pediatrics: Behavioral Health for Children (myvirtualphysician.com)

These 8 cognitive styles develop in early childhood. After adolescence, the brain matures and "personality type" becomes more well-defined.

Thus, after age 18, people can be understood based on 16 personality types, each of which have their own unique ways of using the above 8 cognitive 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)

Let’s explore the healthy and unhealthy versions of these personalities as they develop in both adults and children:

ESFP

- Healthiest: Expresses enthusiasm, energy, and sociability. Fosters liveliness and fun through playful interactions.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses impulsivity, superficiality, and obnoxious vanity. Recklessly self-indulges and seeks attention through dramatic behaviors.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Se

Loyally expresses: Fi

Leisurely expresses: Te

Aspirationally expresses: Ni

Respectfully expresses: Si

Sparingly expresses: Fe

Reluctantly expresses: Ti

Nonchalantly expresses: Ne

2. ESTP

- Healthiest: Expresses confidence, boldness, and street-smartness. Inspires action and excitement in others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses crudeness, impulsivity, and scornfulness. Engages in scandalous behavior and can be manipulative or combative.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Se

Loyally expresses: Ti

Leisurely expresses: Fe

Aspirationally expresses: Ni

Respectfully expresses: Si

Sparingly expresses: Te

Reluctantly expresses: Fi

Nonchalantly expresses: Ne

3. ENFP

- Healthiest: Expresses spontaneity, optimism, and open-mindedness. Inspires authenticity, openness, and growth in others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses sloppiness, disorganized thinking, and delusional idealism. Scatterbrained, unreliable, and disrespectfully unconventional.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ne

Loyally expresses: Fi

Leisurely expresses: Te

Aspirationally expresses: Si

Respectfully expresses: Ni

Sparingly expresses: Fe

Reluctantly expresses: Ti

Nonchalantly expresses: Se

4. ENTP

- Healthiest: Expresses cleverness, playful mischief, and persuasion. Encourages intellectual challenge and debate.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses deceitful cunning, harmful mischief, and nihilism. Fills in personal voids by finding entertainment in stirring chaos among others.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ne

Loyally expresses: Fe

Leisurely expresses: Ti

Aspirationally expresses: Si

Respectfully expresses: Ni

Sparingly expresses: Fi

Reluctantly expresses: Te

Nonchalantly expresses: Se

5. ESTJ

- Healthiest: Expresses assertiveness, attention to detail, and service-oriented authority. Fosters structure and responsibility in leadership.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses hardheartedness, inflexibility, and forceful authority. Stifles others’ input and imposes overcontrolling behavior with a victim mentality.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Te

Loyally expresses: Si

Leisurely expresses: Ne

Aspirationally expresses: Fi

Respectfully expresses: Ti

Sparingly expresses: Se

Reluctantly expresses: Ni

Nonchalantly expresses: Fe

6. ENTJ

- Healthiest: Expresses confidence, service-oriented authority, and visionary agenda-setting. Develops healthy ambitions and leads others toward achievement.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses arrogance, ruthlessness, and forceful behavior. Dismisses others' input and uses manipulative business tactics to maintain control.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Te

Loyally expresses: Ni

Leisurely expresses: Se

Aspirationally expresses: Fi

Respectfully expresses: Ti

Sparingly expresses: Ne

Reluctantly expresses: Si

Nonchalantly expresses: Fe

7. ESFJ

- Healthiest: Expresses enthusiasm, devotion as a caretaker, and assertive emotional support. Uses positive emotional expression to encourage harmony and cooperation in others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses overbearing behavior, dishonest emotional expression, and desperation for approval. Becomes overly dependent on others for personal happiness and is extremely rigid in emotional expectations of others.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Fe

Loyally expresses: Si

Leisurely expresses: Ne

Aspirationally expresses: Ti

Respectfully expresses: Fi

Sparingly expresses: Se

Reluctantly expresses: Ni

Nonchalantly expresses: Te

8. ENFJ

- Healthiest: Expresses charisma, nurturing behavior, and wisdom. Engages in positive emotional expression to inspire, encourage, and mentor others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses deceitful cunning, fake behavior, and desperation for validation. Uses emotional manipulation to get what they want from others, as well as to avoid shame from doing so.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Fe

Loyally expresses: Ni

Leisurely expresses: Se

Aspirationally expresses: Ti

Respectfully expresses: Fi

Sparingly expresses: Ne

Reluctantly expresses: Si

Nonchalantly expresses: Te

9. ISTJ

- Healthiest: Expresses dependability, clear communication, and organization. Devoted to fulfilling responsibilities with diligence and thoroughness, for themselves and for others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses rigidity, narrow-mindedness, and obsession with personal rules. Very prideful about their extremely fixed ways, is resistant to change, and imposes strict standards on others.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Si

Loyally expresses: Te

Leisurely expresses: Fi

Aspirationally expresses: Ne

Respectfully expresses: Se

Sparingly expresses: Ti

Reluctantly expresses: Fe

Nonchalantly expresses: Ni

10. ISFJ

- Healthiest: Expresses warmth, compassion, and dependability. Upholds their responsibilities while especially being mindful of others’ emotional needs.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses passive-aggression, conflict-avoidant politeness, and obsession with precision and accuracy. Quietly overcontrolling, manipulates others into depending on them, and sacrifices personal needs while becoming resentful to those they are serving.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Si

Loyally expresses: Fe

Leisurely expresses: Ti

Aspirationally expresses: Ne

Respectfully expresses: Se

Sparingly expresses: Fi

Reluctantly expresses: Te

Nonchalantly expresses: Ni

11. INTJ

- Healthiest: Expresses visionary imagination, wisdom, and commitment to meaningful goals. Develops ideas to look forward to while inspiring innovation and efficiency in themselves and others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses arrogance, inflexibility, and goal-oriented obsession. Becomes extremely dogmatic, selfishly fixated on personal goals, and haughtily dismissive of alternatives.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ni

Loyally expresses: Te

Leisurely expresses: Fi

Aspirationally expresses: Se

Respectfully expresses: Ne

Sparingly expresses: Ti

Reluctantly expresses: Fe

Nonchalantly expresses: Si

12. INFJ

- Healthiest: Expresses wisdom, compassion, and social perceptiveness. Uses gentle encouragement combined with logical principles to guide and inspire harmony among others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses coldness, cunning, and delusional beliefs. Becomes extremely rigid and grandiose in their beliefs, withdrawing emotionally while subtly imposing misguided ideals on others.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ni

Loyally expresses: Fe

Leisurely expresses: Ti

Aspirationally expresses: Se

Respectfully expresses: Ne

Sparingly expresses: Fi

Reluctantly expresses: Te

Nonchalantly expresses: Si

13. ISTP

- Healthiest: Expresses adaptiveness, street-smartness, and independence. Demonstrates resourcefulness and hands-on skills to help others.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses coldness, dismissiveness of others’ emotions, and recklessness. Becomes isolated and detached from over-prioritizing their independence.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ti

Loyally expresses: Se

Leisurely expresses: Ni

Aspirationally expresses: Fe

Respectfully expresses: Te

Sparingly expresses: Si

Reluctantly expresses: Ne

Nonchalantly expresses: Fi

14. INTP

- Healthiest: Expresses analytical behavior, meticulousness, and curiosity. Driven to learn and explore new ideas that can help improve the world.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses social bitterness, neglectfulness of others’ emotions, and delusional obsession with logical principles. Becomes isolated, disorganized, and socially inept, while using sneaky ways to bully or sabotage others.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Ti

Loyally expresses: Ne

Leisurely expresses: Si

Aspirationally expresses: Fe

Respectfully expresses: Te

Sparingly expresses: Se

Reluctantly expresses: Ni

Nonchalantly expresses: Fi

15. ISFP

- Healthiest: Expresses authenticity, adventurousness, and creativity. Unashamed to pursue what makes them happy, while also eager to help others with the activities they enjoy.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses emotional volatility, mood swings, and hotheadedness. Swings from extreme self-doubt to extreme grandiosity, while experiencing extremes in laziness, overproductivity, and anxious-avoidant tendencies.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Fi

Loyally expresses: Se

Leisurely expresses: Ni

Aspirationally expresses: Te

Respectfully expresses: Fe

Sparingly expresses: Si

Reluctantly expresses: Ne

Nonchalantly expresses: Ti

16. INFP

- Healthiest: Expresses sincerity, reflectiveness, and open-mindedness. Adaptable while very devoted to their values and the people they care deeply about.
- Unhealthiest: Expresses pessimism, unrealistic idealism, and anxious obsession with personal identity. Becomes very passive about responding to the needs of others while stubborn about their unconventional desires, which often cause conflict with those around them.
- Cognition

Passionately expresses: Fi

Loyally expresses: Ne

Leisurely expresses: Si

Aspirationally expresses: Te

Respectfully expresses: Fe

Sparingly expresses: Ni

Reluctantly expresses: Se

Nonchalantly expresses: Ti

To explore how these personality types relate to parenting styles, visit Online Pediatrician: Guide to Parenting Styles & Care (myvirtualphysician.com)

According to evidence-based personality psychology, there are 8 major cognitive styles our brains can use:

Extraverted Sensing (Se) = Specific perception of external world
- Healthy version: being present-focused, adventurous, and attuned to sensory experiences.
- Unhealthy version: sensory indulgence, hyperactivity, impulsivity, reckless behavior.
Introverted Sensing (Si) = Specific perception of internal world
- Healthy version: having attention to detail, strong memory recall, and a sense of tradition and nostalgia.
- Unhealthy version: becoming overly resistant to change or fixated on past experiences.
Extraverted Intuition (Ne) = Broad perception of external world
- Healthy version: spontaneity, diversity, innovation, and adaptability.
- Unhealthy version: scattered thinking, indecisiveness, disrespect for tradition, inability to adhere to routines
Introverted Intuition (Ni) = Broad perception of internal world
- Healthy version: insight, foresight, philosophizing, visionary imagination for meaningful, innovative ideas.
- Unhealthy version: detachment from reality, neglect of present responsibilities, extreme frustration with unexpected outcomes.
Extraverted Thinking (Te) = external logical order
- Healthy version: organization, efficiency, and effective decision-making.
- Unhealthy version: bossy, gives unsolicited advice, overworks oneself
Introverted Thinking (Ti) = internal logical order
- Healthy version: logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and a penchant for critical analysis.
- Unhealthy version: overthinking everything, becoming overly detached or dismissive of emotions, overestimating personal intelligence
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) = external emotional order
- Healthy version: harmonizing, charismatic, great at emotionally interacting with others
- Unhealthy version: emotionally manipulative, desperate for social approval, overly dependent on relationships with others
Introverted Feeling (Fi) = internal emotional order
- Healthy version: authentic, self-expressive, passionate about their values
- Unhealthy version: overly sensitive, emotionally volatile or rigidly pessimistic, unrealistically idealistic

These 8 cognitive styles develop in early childhood. After adolescence, the brain matures and "personality type" becomes more well-defined.

Thus, after age 18, people can be understood based on 16 personality types, each of which have their own unique ways of using the above 8 cognitive styles:

Do not worry if this looks complicated! This is just meant to outline how there are 16 different cognitive frameworks our brains can take on. The important thing to note is that there are different ways people can use the 8 cognitive styles.

And an even more important part to note: it is NOT recommended to speculate which of these 16 types your child may have. Given that children's brains are developing, it is unclear if a certain behavior pattern or cognitive preference is based on their personality preferences or if it's just a phase they are going through as their brain matures.

Therefore, it is recommended to focus on helping your child develop each of the 8 cognitive modes in healthy ways, rather than understanding which of the following 16 types your child has. Until the child reaches age 18, it is not recommended to decipher their personality type.

Instead, focus on your own cognitive preferences and understand which of the 16 cognitive frameworks fit you best. This is helpful for developing a healthy parenting style that suits your own personality.

For more information on how these personality types and cognitive frameworks can relate to parenting styles, check out

16 Types of Parenting Styles - My Virtual Physician

For more information on evidence-based research on these personality types, check out Cognitive Personality Theory: Murrell, Harry: 9798421238645: Amazon.com: Books

Parenting is a complex journey that requires understanding and adapting to the unique needs and characteristics of each child. And since each parent and each child has a unique personality, it is crucial to understand what your personality implies about the most suitable parenting style for both you and your child.

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)

Let's delve into how each of the 16 personalities might manifest in parenting:

ISTJ: Structured and reliable. ISTJ parents emphasize discipline, responsibility, and tradition in their parenting approach. They provide clear rules and expectations for their children and prioritize stability and security.
- Parenting Strengths: Provides structure and stability, sets clear expectations, and instills a sense of responsibility in their children.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May struggle with adapting to change, can be too rigid or controlling, and may have difficulty expressing emotions.

ISFJ: Nurturing, organized, and compassionate. ISFJ parents create a warm and supportive environment for their children, focusing on their emotional well-being. They are attentive listeners and excel at providing practical support and guidance.
- Parenting Strengths: Nurturing and supportive, creates a warm and loving environment, and is attentive to their children's needs.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May prioritize children’s happiness over discipline, may struggle with setting boundaries or saying no.

INFJ: Wise, nurturing, and perceptive. INFJ parents deeply understand their children's needs and feelings, often anticipating them before they are expressed. They prioritize harmony and encourage their children to be caring and mindful about the emotions of others.
- Parenting Strengths: Insightful and empathetic, fosters harmony and empathy
- Parenting Weaknesses: May become overwhelmed by their children's emotions, struggle with enforcing boundaries, and have unrealistic expectations.

INTJ: Visionary, imaginative, and strategic. INTJ parents prioritize authenticity and encourage their children to explore their passions and values. They also guide their children to develop meaningful goals from their passions while offering excellent insight on how to follow through with them.
- Parenting Strengths: Strategic and goal-oriented, encourages visionary imagination, and guides their children to be strategic with their passions and interests.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May lack patience with slow learners, may struggle with setting aside their own goals to attend to their children’s needs.

ISTP: Street-smart, hands-on, and practical. ISTP parents enjoy teaching their children through experiential learning and problem-solving activities. They encourage their children to explore and experiment, allowing them to learn through trial and error.
- Parenting Strengths: Hands-on and practical, teaches problem-solving skills, and encourages independence and self-reliance.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May struggle with expressing emotions, have difficulty with long-term planning, and be impatient with slower learners.

ISFP: Sensitive and artistic. ISFP parents encourage creativity and self-expression in their children, fostering a love for art, music, and nature. They provide a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment where their children feel free to explore their passions.
- Parenting Strengths: Sensitive and artistic, fosters creativity and self-expression, and creates a nonjudgmental environment.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May become too immersed in their own hobbies, may have trouble helping their children if they have different interests and passions

INFP: Idealistic and empathetic. INFP parents prioritize authenticity and personal growth, encouraging their children to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. They are supportive and nurturing, providing a safe space for their children to express themselves.
- Parenting Strengths: Idealistic and empathetic, supports individuality and authenticity, and fosters deep emotional bonds.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May have difficulty with discipline, become overwhelmed by conflict, and struggle with indecisiveness for their children.

INTP: Analytical and curious. INTP parents foster intellectual development in their children, encouraging them to explore a wide range of interests and ideas. They value independent thinking and encourage their children to question conventional wisdom.
- Parenting Strengths: Analytical and curious, encourages intellectual exploration, and teaches problem-solving skills.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May be emotionally distant, struggle with routine tasks, and have difficulty with practical matters.

ESTP: Bold, energetic, and street-smart. ESTP parents enjoy engaging in physical activities and adventures with their children, encouraging them to embrace new experiences and challenges. They instill confidence and resilience in their children through hands-on learning.
- Parenting Strengths: Energetic and adventurous, provides excitement and fun, and teaches resilience and adaptability.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May struggle with consistency, have difficulty with long-term planning, and be insensitive to others' emotions.

ESFP: Energetic, adventurous, and fun-loving. ESFP parents are good at creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere at home, filled with laughter and excitement. They encourage their children to be sociable and stylish, fostering strong interpersonal skills and aesthetic awareness.
- Parenting Strengths: Spontaneous and sociable, creates a lively atmosphere
- Parenting Weaknesses: May demand that their family caters to their own needs first, struggle with all-or-none discipline in their children, and become self-inflated and in denial about their Parenting Weaknesses as a parent

ENFP: Spontaneous, enthusiastic, and imaginative. ENFP parents inspire creativity and curiosity in their children, encouraging them to explore their interests and pursue their passions. They value authenticity and encourage their children to express themselves freely.
- Parenting Strengths: Enthusiastic and imaginative, inspires creativity and exploration, and supports personal growth.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May struggle with follow-through, become overwhelmed by routine tasks, and have difficulty with structure.

ENTP: Witty, innovative, and resourceful. ENTP parents enjoy engaging their children in thought-provoking discussions and debates, stimulating their intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills. They encourage their children to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.
- Parenting Strengths: Innovative and resourceful, encourages critical thinking and debate, and fosters intellectual curiosity.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May be argumentative, struggle with authority, and become easily bored with routine childcare.

ESTJ: Organized, leaderlike, and assertive. ESTJ parents establish clear rules and routines for their children, emphasizing discipline and responsibility. They value structure and order, instilling a strong work ethic and sense of duty in their children.
- Parenting Strengths: Organized and assertive, establishes clear rules and expectations, and teaches discipline and responsibility.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May be too controlling, struggle with flexibility, and may subconsciously prioritize conformity over individuality in their children.

ESFJ: Enthusiastic, caring, and sociable. ESFJ parents prioritize harmony and cooperation in their family life, nurturing strong bonds and relationships. They are attentive to their children's emotional needs and provide unwavering support and encouragement.
- Parenting Strengths: Caring and sociable, fosters strong bonds and relationships, and provides emotional support and encouragement.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May be overly involved in their children's lives, struggle with fostering independence in their children, may struggle with saying no

ENFJ: Wise, compassionate, and influential. ENFJ parents are good at motivating their children to practice empathy, kindness, and integrity. They are motivational mentors, great at emotionally bonding with their children.
- Parenting Strengths: Compassionate and inspiring, leads through motivation and influence, and fosters personal growth and development.
- Parenting Weaknesses: Over-committing to helping other people outside of family life, may become manipulative with their children, emotionally swaying them to do something that the child may not be in favor of doing

ENTJ: Leaderlike, decisive, and visionary. ENTJ parents encourage their children to be ambitious and provide the support and resources necessary to achieve their goals. They emphasize leadership and strategic thinking, preparing their children for success in a competitive world.
- Parenting Strengths: Decisive and visionary, sets ambitious goals and expectations, and teaches leadership and strategic thinking.
- Parenting Weaknesses: May be overly demanding, struggle with empathy, and prioritize achievement over emotional connection.

Understanding the unique characteristics of each personality type can provide valuable insights into parenting styles. By recognizing and embracing these differences, parents can cultivate a supportive and nurturing environment that meets the diverse needs of their children.

"As humans, we all have multiple thoughts in our head that we do not need to believe. As life becomes busier and busier for families the stress of every day living can lead to anxiety, self harm, self-medicating, and the overall disconnection. Without knowing it, we react to life rather than respond." (Debbie Milam, author of the bestselling children's book, Invasion of the Thought Gremlins)

Invasion of the Thought Gremlins is a children’s picture book that teaches valuable lessons about how to deal with intrusive, negative thoughts of any form. The book not only has colorful, adorable characters, but it also addresses the importance of distinguishing wise thoughts from deceiving ones, how to address overwhelming thinking, and how to seek peace of mind.

This book encourages children to:

Pause before reacting
Never act on or believe a thought that tells them to hurt themselves or someone else
Seek out safe, calm adults when they feel overwhelmed
Get through hard circumstances by using wisdom and love.

The book also includes an encouraging note to parents about resilience in themselves and their children.

A very fun and wholesome read for both the parent and the child!

Order your copy today: Invasion of the Thought Gremlins