Quick Parenting Tips for Each Type

Because ISTJs must find their own way through life’s problems, it is particularly important to avoid forcing them to move forward before they are ready, or else they might develop unhealthy methods of coping with stress. Give them enough time to thoroughly digest new information.

Because ISFJs are prone to worrying about discomfort, it is particularly important to avoid forcing them into uncomfortable situations, or else they might start to shut down emotionally. Always provide adequate emotional support, skill building opportunities, and/or reassurance about the outcome.

Because INTJs usually have a clear idea of what they want, it is particularly important to avoid blocking them from moving forward in life, or else they might develop troubling mood problems. Allow them to prove to you that they are truly ready for more autonomy and let them proceed.

Because INFJs need an encouraging environment to develop their creative insights, it is particularly important to avoid using emotionally manipulative punishments that induce high levels of fear, guilt, or shame, as this might make them withdraw from the world. Talk with them to discover the real reason behind missteps and work with them to find fair and fitting solutions.

Because ISTPs like life to be simple and straightforward, it is particularly important to avoid randomly imposing responsibilities upon them without any explanation, or else you might trigger knee-jerk defiance. Always provide solid logical reasoning for your expectations and be willing to address their rebuttals calmly.

Because INTPs operate on their own time, it is particularly important to avoid imposing arbitrary timelines/schedules on them, as failure to meet them will have a negative effect on everyone. Discuss possibilities with them, take their personal needs and expectations into consideration, and create a mutually agreed upon timeline/schedule, so that they feel a stronger sense of responsibility for following it.

Because ISFPs are largely motivated by their feelings, it is particularly important to avoid invalidating their experience of a situation, or else they might become unwilling to work with you. Listen to their viewpoint, agree that you may have different perspectives on the situation, and focus on what needs to be done to move forward productively from there.

Because INFPs are motivated by idealistic notions, it is particularly important to avoid quashing their dreams or eroding the optimism that they need to sustain long term efforts, or else they might fall into depression or helplessness. Changing direction shouldn’t be about closing doors but, rather, helping them see alternative doors to explore.

Because ESTPs are a force to be reckoned with, it is particularly important to avoid creating an oppressive environment for them, or else they might start to perceive you as a tyrant to be rebelled against. Be open to negotiation and compromise and set reasonable boundaries with their input.

Because ESFPs have innate trust in the world, it is particularly important to avoid saddling them with too many worries, concerns, complexities, or problems than they are ready to handle at once, or else they might act out or start to avoid important matters. When presenting a problem for discussion, respect their feelings about it, and mainly focus on what can be done about it.

Because ENTPs require a lot of freedom to pursue their interests, it is particularly important to avoid taking away learning opportunities, or else they might start to perceive you as an obstacle to be sidestepped. If they are determined to ignore your rules/advice and make their own mistakes, you might have to allow them to fall, but be there to make sure that they learn the right lesson afterward, and they’ll continue to trust you and your advice.

Because ENFPs are easily carried away by inspiration, it is particularly important to avoid completely destroying their momentum, or else they might feel discouraged or start to hide their activities from you. Rather than forcing them to come to a complete stop, help them detail both the good and the bad in what they’re doing so that they understand the right direction to take and what _exactly_ it is that they need to stop doing and why.

Because ESTJs prefer life to be well-structured, it is particularly important to avoid exposing them to chaotic environments for too long, or else they might develop compulsive coping behaviors. Allow them enough time to build confidence through learning new rules and procedures incrementally.

Because ENTJs are resolute and respond primarily to reason, it is particularly important to avoid interfering with their plans without good reason, or else they might start to perceive you as someone to “handle” rather than an ally to work with. Respond directly to the content of what they are saying while setting aside the manner in which they are saying it. Meet their challenges by discussing/debating the merits of the ideas only.

Because ESFJs value relationships and social rituals so much, it is particularly important to avoid exacerbating any people-pleasing behavior, or else they might easily get lost in unequal and unhealthy relationships. Help them to maintain proper balance between self and other by teaching them to set healthy boundaries and take on reasonable amounts of social responsibility. Nudge them back to self-care whenever you observe them floundering.

Because ENFJs are idealistic in their approach to life and relationships, it is particularly important to avoid exacerbating any unrealistic thinking, or else they might inadvertently do things to hurt themself or others. Help them avoid jumping to wrong conclusions by teaching them to take the time to visualize other possible ways of interpreting situations. Encourage them to value the truth, even when it goes against their feelings.