What if understanding your child’s temperament could transform the way you parent? Today Karen and Emily sit down with author and temperament expert Kathleen Edelman to talk about wiring, communication, and the power of speaking life into our kids. Kathleen shares tips for how to spot your child’s core temperament, explains why it’s so important to know your own, and reminds us that God intentionally chose each of us to be the mother of our unique child. 

Episode Recap:

4:05 - Kathleen Edelman joins us in the studio today to talk temperaments

6:15 - God chose YOU, with your unique temperament, to be the mother of your unique children. It was not an accident. 

8:00 - Where did this idea of the 4 temperaments come from?

10:50 - You can watch the body language of your child and pay attention to their words to discern their temperament

14:00 - Temperaments are innate, personality evolves

18:44 - You have to understand how God uniquely wired you to be able to speak your child’s language well 

22:00 - What are common mistakes parents make with each temperament and how can they adjust their approach?

31:53 - How can parents manage being the opposite temperament from their spouse? 

36:40 - Kathleen and Karen share stories of how this knowledge can transform relationships

44:27 - Children are pure in their wiring before the world starts reprimanding them

Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you know your temperament color? If so, how has that shaped your parenting style?
2. Has learning about your child’s temperament changed the way you respond to their emotions or behavior?
3. Are there any common communication mistakes you’re making with your child’s specific wiring?
4. How can you speak more intentionally to build your child up according to their God-given design?

Resources:

• Enter our giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms
• Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Kathleen’s website: https://isaidyouheard.com/
• Follow Kathleen on IG: @kathleenedelman
• BOAW Moms Temperament Colors Quiz: boaw.mom/quiz
• The temperament book that started it all for Karen: Personality Plus
• Karen’s book with a chapter on temperaments: Survival Guide to Motherhood
• I Said, You Heard resources on FB: https://www.facebook.com/isaidyouheard
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927