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Hi!
I am
Anna.
And
I am
Leo!
We live here
together with
our parents and
our dog, Tim.
But Tim is not
an ordinary dog.
He can talk and
knows a lot
about humans.
We always
learn a lot from
Tim. This time
he's teaching
us about
temperament.
Have fun
while
reading!
It's Sunday morning and Leo, Anna and Tim have
just gotten up.
They are in a good mood because today they want to
go to an amusement park nearby with their parents.
But suddenly, the mother of the two comes in with
bad news... Indeed, at this moment it begins to rain. Lightning
is also seen in the sky.
While Leo remains calm, his sister becomes very
upset.
Then Anna runs to her room angrily and slams the
door behind her.
I am very sorry kids,
but there will be a
thunderstorm soon. I
guess we will have to
go to the amusement
park another weekend.
But I want
to go to the
amusement
park today!
That's really a
pity, but then
we'll just go
another time.
Leo doesn't understand his sister's behavior. The mother goes to Anna. Leo wants to know from
Tim what temperament means.
Tim compares temperament with a puzzle.
Now Tim compares temperament with the water
temperature.
Tim further explains.
Oh, that's just
because of her
temperament. I'll try
to calm her down.
Why does Anna
always get so angry
when something
doesn’t go to plan?
Tim, what does
mom mean by
temperament?
Well, temperament
describes differences in
the behavior of people.
For example, Anna gets
very upset and raises her
voice when something
doesn't go to plan. But
you tend to stay calm.
I see, so
Anna has a
different
temperament
than I do?
How disappointed or
angry someone gets after
bad news is just one of
many temperament traits.
It is also called
frustration proneness.
Frustration
what?
Frustration proneness.
This refers to how upset
and loud someone is after
frustrations. For example,
after disappointments or
when something doesn't
go to plan.
Then Anna is
prone to
frustration,
and I am not?
In the case of temperament traits,
you don't say that someone has
them or not. It is more like the
temperature of water. That can be
low (cold), moderate (lukewarm),
or high (hot).
In general, each person has
a unique temperament. This
is composed of different
temperament traits. Just
like a puzzle consists of
several pieces.
Leo thinks of his father.Leo has more questions for Tim.
Leo would like to discover even more temperament
traits.
Leo gets what Tim means.
Leo understands more and more.
So, Anna has a high
frustration proneness
and I have a low one.
Then there are also
people with a moderate
frustration proneness?
Exactly,
maybe you
can think of
someone?
Hm, perhaps dad. He often
gets angry, for example when his
favorite TV program isn't on. Then
he also complains sometimes, but
not as much and loudly as Anna.
No, that is usually not
enough. One can only speak
of a temperament trait when
the person shows the
behavior repeatedly and in
different situations.
But do I only have to
see how people react to
disappointment once to
tell how prone they are
to frustration?
For example, last week you were
very upset when your remotely
controlled car hit the wall and broke.
But that was only in this one
situation, because the car was very
important to you. Then one would
not speak of temperament.
Yes, you can recognize
temperament traits in
everyday behavior. If
someone who is generally
well-balanced suddenly gets
very angry, it is more likely
to be due to the situation.
So, it's always
important to
consider the
situation as well?
Yes, that's right! Maybe I
will accompany you a bit
in the next few days.
Then we will certainly
discover even more
temperament traits.
You said earlier
that there are many
more temperament
traits?
Sarah is already there and runs towards her friends.
She looks very excited when she reaches the
others.
The next day after school, Leo and Anna go to the
park with Tim. They want to meet with their friend
Sarah.
Tim apparently noticed something.
Anna likes the idea.
Leo is a little reserved.
And indeed, nearby, one can see other children
playing catch.
Look, some kids are
playing catch back
there. Let's ask if we
can play along!
Oh, come
on. I'm sure
they're nice.
Hm, I don't
know. We don't
even know
these kids.
Leo, did you
also just notice
something in
this situation?
For me it's ok if
you ask them. It
could be fun.
Do you mean how
differently we reacted
to playing with the
unfamiliar children?
Is that another
temperament trait?
Okay, great!
Then I'll ask
them right
away.
At that moment, Sarah comes back again. Leo wants to know how inhibited Anna is.
In fact, they seem to have just discovered another
temperament trait. Anna has already been told by Leo what Tim taught
him about temperament.
Anna, Leo and Sarah then play catch with the
other children. They have a lot of fun. After a while, Sarah and the other children go home.
Leo and Anna go back to Tim. Leo seems a bit
worried.
Exactly! This trait is called
behavioral inhibition. It describes
how people react to new situations
or strangers. Your friend Sarah, for
example, is rarely inhibited. She
quickly gets to know new children
and often tries out new things.
That's right, inhibited
people are more cautious.
But that doesn't mean
they don't want to make
new friends, they're just a
little shy at first.
Then Leo must be very
inhibited, because he is
always reserved and
hesitant when we meet
unfamiliar children.
They said we are
welcome to join.
Come on, let's
go over!
Well then,
let's go! See
you later,
Tim!
Well, Anna is a little more
open to strangers and tries
new things more often than
you. But she prefers to let
Sarah approach new children
and waits before being
active herself. Therefore, you
would say that Anna is
moderately inhibited.
And what
about
Anna?
See you
soon!
Tim tries to calm Leo.
Now it's time to go home.
Leo feels better.
Tim comes up with a nice comparison.
Tim also sees strengths in behavioral inhibition.
No, absolutely not! There is
generally no good or bad in
temperament. Everyone is
the way he or she is. You
know, every temperament
trait has advantages and
disadvantages depending
on the situation.
This is also the reason why people
even have differences in their
temperament. In harmless
situations or when playing with
new children, you may feel that
your inhibition is detrimental, and
some may find you too reserved.
Tim, is it bad that
I'm inhibited?
Does that make
me more boring
than other kids?
But now, let's go. It's
getting late and the next
few days we will surely
discover more about
temperament.
However, there are also
situations in which you
don't know whether other
people are nice or
perhaps even have bad
intentions. It's better then
to wait and see. That way
you can recognize
dangers in time. This can
also protect you from
injuries in new situations.
I have candy in
the car, why
don't you
come with me?
That really makes sense. With Sarah, we
experience a lot because she likes to try
out new things and approach others.
But Leo stops us in time when things
might get reckless. Thus, it's really
good that we are all different.
That’s true! In the end, life is
like a colorful meadow of
flowers. It only becomes
beautiful and interesting
when each of us brings in his
or her own temperament.
The following day, Tim goes to school to visit Leo
and Anna.
They are spending their break outside in the
schoolyard.
Anna has spent the break so far with her friends
Sarah and Meryem. Tim wonders where Leo is.
Leo is playing soccer on a field with some of his
friends.
When he sees Tim and Anna, he walks over to them.
Hi Tim, how
nice of you
to come by.
He's over
there playing
soccer with
his friends.
Hi Anna, I always
like to visit you.
What are you
doing right now?
Oh, I was sitting by that
tree over there with my
friends. Meryem brought a
book about animals in the
savannah with her, and we
were looking at it together.
That sounds
interesting.
And where is
Leo?
GOAL!
Hi Tim, I hadn't
seen you yet.
What are you
doing here?
Hi Leo, I wanted to
find out how you
spend your break.
Is it always the
case that you play
soccer and Anna
does something
more calm?
Leo tells Tim about their breaks.
They come to talk about Leo's best friend Lukas. Leo remembers the school lessons well, he spent
together with Lukas.
Suddenly, Anna suspects
another temperament trait here. Indeed, they have found another temperament trait.
Not always, we often
play other games, like
catch. Anna and Sarah
also join in sometimes.
But actually, Meryem
almost always likes
to do calmer
activities. Also, she
usually has a book
with her to read.
Sometimes I would
like to play cards,
but Lukas always
wants to do
something active
or play sports. That's right.
Also, he always
has a lot of
energy and
never gets tired.
Then, it is
certainly not
easy for him to
sit still for a long
time in class.
Oh yes! The last ten
minutes before the break,
he usually gets very
fidgety and impatient.
Then Lukas
surely has a high
activity level and
Meryem a low
one.
But Tim, is activity also a
temperament trait then? At
least we all seem to be very
different here across
different situations.
Exactly! People with
a high activity level
want to move a lot,
like Lukas, while
Meryem prefers
calm activities.
You are absolutely
right, Anna. This trait
is called activity level.
It can be rather low,
moderate or high.
In terms of behavioral inhibition, Leo and Anna differ,
as well as their parents.
This time, it is easy for them to classify themselves. Anna has a question.
Tim compares Anna and Leo with their parents.
Then Anna, Sarah
and I probably
have a moderate
activity level.
Yes, because you
all like both, active
and calm activities.
Well, temperament is influenced
by two things: The family and life
experiences. By family, I mean
that temperament is inherited to
a certain extent. Therefore,
children and parents often have
a similar temperament.
For example, you
both have a moderate
activity level, like your
parents. They also like
active...
Tim, where does a person's
temperament actually come
from? Is it just by chance that I
have a moderate activity level or
is there a reason for it?
And what about
the life
experiences?
But, as we discovered yesterday, Leo
is more inhibited than Anna. Thus, he
is more like your mother, who is also
a bit hesitant with strangers. In
contrast, Anna and your father are
both only slightly inhibited.
...as well as
calm activities.
Tim further explains how a person's temperament
develops.
Tim has another example.
At that moment, they hear the bell. The break is
over.
Inherited
Temperament
Temperament
Life
Experiences
Life experiences have a
great influence on how
the inherited
temperament develops.
For example, a very
inhibited child may
become less
inhibited over time
if he or she is
frequently around
friendly new people.
We don't want
to play with
you, you're
not cool.
But, if an inhibited
child often faces
unfamiliar children
who are mean, he
or she may be
even more
inhibited
afterwards.
Or imagine a child that
is not very active, just
like the mother. But the
father is very active and
involves the child in
many activities. As a
result, the child will
probably become more
active and more like the
father over time.
See you
soon! We
had a lot
of fun!
Then the inherited
temperament and the
life experiences
influence each other.
This is really interesting.
You can’t
catch me,
dad!
Then, have fun at
school! We'll see us
again this afternoon.
Oh, I guess we
have to go back
to class now.
After school, Leo and Anna went home. Their friend Ravi came along with them. They are
doing their homework together.
Anna stands up suddenly.
Ravi is very concentrated.
When Anna returns, she also has her mobile with her.
After the homework, Leo, Anna and Ravi go to the
garden. They want to grow their own plants.
I don't feel like
doing the math
exercises
anymore. I'm
going to get my
English book.
Whatever.
Look, Sarah
sent me a funny
video. Do you
want to see it
too?
Yes,
please.
Maybe later, I
want to finish
my homework
first.
You are
really hard
to distract,
Ravi.
I definitely want
to plant
tomatoes and
strawberries.
Then I can
harvest and eat
them later.
I also want to
plant some
flowers. That will
certainly look
beautiful when
they bloom.
Anna doesn't understand what Leo means.
In the evening, after Ravi went home, Leo, Anna and
Tim sit together in the living room.
Anna doesn't feel like planting flowers anymore.
After they planted the first seeds, Anna suddenly
stands up.
Anna seems worried.
I think that's
enough to start.
I'd rather watch
TV now.
But we're
not done
yet.
No, I don't think I'm
in the mood anymore
today. But, if you're
still having fun, feel
free to continue.
I'd like to get
this done today
too, but maybe
we can take a
short break.
What do
you
mean?
Let me guess, Tim,
we discovered the
fourth temperament
trait today.
Oh, you're
probably right
about that! I
didn't notice.
Obviously, people differ in
how long they want to
work on a task. You change
your activities a lot, but
Ravi is always very focused
and wants to finish
something he starts.
Then I'm probably in
the middle. I have
more persistence
than Anna, but I also
like to take breaks
before something is
finished.
You’re right, Leo! This
trait is called attention or
persistence. Your friend
Ravi has a lot of it and
can resist distractions
well. Anna, on the other
hand, quickly quits tasks
when she likes something
else better. There is also no good or
bad when it comes to
persistence. For example,
Ravi is more concentrated
when doing homework,
but that is not always
good either.
But then, it is
something bad that I
have little persistence.
I always find it very
difficult to finish my
homework.
The trait persistence can be trained. Tim gives Anna some tips.
Anna and Leo think it would be a good idea for Anna
to improve her self-control.
High persistence does not only have advantages. Tim has good news for Anna.
This is not only good for Anna's attention.
Earlier, Ravi focused on a difficult math
problem for a very long time while you
were already having fun. But he still
couldn't solve it. People with high
persistence often find it difficult to accept
that something is not working, and this
can cause them to lose a lot of time.
But you're right. When it
comes to school, low
persistence can have
disadvantages. But the
good thing is that you can
influence and improve
your own persistence.
Really?
How can I
do that?
Persistence has a lot to do
with self-control. And that can
be trained, just as you can
train your physical persistence
in sports, for example. You just
have to set goals and try to
accomplish them.
For example, you might decide to
finish all of your math exercises
before taking a break or doing
something else. Over time, this will
become easier and easier.
More self-control can
also affect your
frustration proneness.
Maybe, you won't get so
loud anymore when
you're angry, and stay
more patient.
Where is my bus?
It should have
been there by
now. Well, I'll wait
a little longer
before I get upset.
I think that's a good
idea, too. If Anna is
more concentrated
then, she won't distract
me so often during
homework. I'm already
curious about what
else we'll learn in the
next few days.
That sounds
good, I will
definitely try
that out!
After a while, Leo also begins to eat. However, he
seems to notice something again.
The next evening, Leo and Anna go to a restaurant
with their father. Everyone is very happy about the food, only Leo
seems a bit hesitant.
Again, the father notices nothing.
After the dinner, they leave the restaurant. At the
entrance, their mother is waiting for them with Tim. Then, Anna and Leo set off with Tim.
The food is still
way too hot. I
need to wait, until
it gets colder. But
I am so hungry.
Really? I don't
think it's that
hot. Maybe, you
need to blow
on it a little.
Don't you think
it tastes spicier
than usual
today?
That's right. Leo
always notices
immediately when
something is
different, but you
almost never, dad.
I don't notice
any difference.
But, I'm also not
that sensitive.
I hope your dinner
was tasty. Too bad
that I had to work so
long today and could
not join you. Would
you like to go for a
walk with Tim, kids?
Yes, with
pleasure.
Hm, it seems
a bit spicier
to me, too.
Suddenly, an ambulance drives by and turns on the
siren.
Leo startles a lot.
Anna has an idea.
Leo thinks of his father. Anna is very much like her mother here.
Tim, I think I've discovered the next
temperament trait. Earlier, dad said
that Leo is more sensitive because
hot and spicy food bothers him.
And right now, the loud siren
startled him the most.
Oh, that was
pretty loud.
I almost
startled, too.
That's right! Leo has a high
sensory sensitivity. That means
he notices smells, sounds or
changes in taste or temperature
faster than other people.
Actually, that explains a lot.
Then dad must have a low
sensory sensitivity. He can even
read in peace when mom and I
are building up a cupboard at
the same time.
At times, it is useful to
perceive things more
strongly, but
sometimes it is also
annoying. But, we
already know that this
is the case with all
temperament traits.
And mom and I
have a moderate
sensory sensitivity.
We are not as
sensitive as Leo,
but notice more
than dad.
Again, Tim explains something new to Anna and Leo.
Anna and Leo realize how important temperament is
in everyday life.
Tim has another example.
Tim uses his favorite comparison again.
Temperament
Temperament
Environment
Environment
Fits
Does not fit
Exactly. Also here,
everything has advantages
and disadvantages. In your
case, the fit is especially
important, Leo.
However, if you have to study
in an environment with loud
noises, it won't work and you
will feel uncomfortable. This
does not fit your high
sensory sensitivity.
What do
you mean
by that?
To feel comfortable, you need
to choose your environment so
that it fits your temperament.
For example, when studying or
reading, it is important for you
that the environment is quiet.
The same is true for other traits. For
example, we have seen that Anna's
friend Meryem has a low activity
level. But, if she had to do a lot of
sports in her free time now, she
wouldn't enjoy it very much, because
it doesn't fit her temperament.
Yes, which is why it's
always good to think
about your own
temperament. Then it's
easier to find out
which situations and
activities suit you.
Let me
guess:
But the greatest thing
about temperament is
that it makes life so
interesting, because
each of us is
completely individual.
Just like...
Then
temperament is
also important
for leisure
activities.
Just as a flower
meadow is beautiful
and interesting
because of the many
different flowers.