phoenix31
New member
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2015
- Messages
- 290
- MBTI Type
- INFP
- Enneagram
- 9
I know kids can be tricky to type, but I'm curious about my 10 year old. I'm not new to MBTI, but I'm still learning about cognitive functions, so there's a lot I don't fully understand yet. When I type people I still look at I vs. E, N vs. S, and so on. If you have the time to read, I'd be curious about your thoughts.
I vs. E - my son is happily social, but he also loves to spend time alone. His activities of choice are drawing, crafts, video games and reading. (He's obsessed with video games and would play them forever if we let him.) Video games can easily be something social for him, where he can't wait to see a friend to tell them about a new development, or wants to play with friends when they come over. When video games were not an option with a certain friend, after a little while of talking, he pulled out a book to read (alone) and had to be taught that that behavior was rude. He plays happily with his younger brother, but often stops playing in favor of a book. He likes people, but gets a bit nervous about introductions. If someone has a common interest such as video games or Pokemon cards, he's chatting happily within minutes, but if someone's into sports or something else that doesn't really interest my son, he doesn't have much to say to them.
I'm guessing Introvert?
S vs. N - I don't have a whole lot of info here, because I'm still trying to understand this one. He's happy to play sports but only does so at our suggestion. He is an absolute space cadet during soccer, not paying any attention to what's going on or where the ball is. He gets a bit whiny when anything gets too physically demanding, like running laps. He's often lost in his own world of thought and we have to speak to him two or three times before he even hears us. He's not naturally drawn to mechanical things, but he is good at looking at directions and putting things together, such as origami or a shoe rack I bought unassembled. He is an 'ideas' person, always thinking of some new club or group he could form, or business he could start, and making grand plans.
I'm guessing N?
T vs. F - He taught himself to read and has always been really exceptional at retaining information. He would be the type to point out an error on a teacher's part, I think not maliciously but because any error bothers him. Before he's directed to think about it differently, he tends to assume viewpoints that oppose his are stupid. I would guess T so far, but I have also seen him become overwhelmed with emotion, something I'm familiar with as an INFP. If he's really embarrassed or the situation overwhelms him, he's been known to break into tears. (As an INFP, I often feel overwhelmed without knowing why. I'm not sure if he has the words to explain, because in these situations he says he doesn't want to talk about it.) He also has a blatant disregard for rules. He weighs consequences to decide if it's worth having his own way. He attempts to talk me down or reason with me when he's getting punished or when I make a rule he doesn't like. He can be a champion manipulator if allowed. He's also an instigator. Conflict doesn't seem to bother him a lot. He creates conflict on purpose sometimes and gets a twinkle of satisfaction out of making someone else squirm. He hates math, but he's good at it. He loves science. He also enjoys creative writing, if he can dictate and not have to write it out himself.
Guessing T?
P vs. J - Again, I don't have much info here, but the kid is extraordinarily messy and disorganized. His seat in the car can be filled so full of books, toys, and fast food wrappers that he doesn't have room for his legs, and it still doesn't bother him. The sheets could come off his bed and there could be toys and books right next to his head, and he'd sleep with no trouble. His friends keep Pokemon cards in organized binders, while his are usually in piles around the house. Occasionally he'll go on an organizing binge, but he usually doesn't fully finish it. He leaves a trail of messes behind him wherever he goes. He's usually the last one out of the house when we're going somewhere. He does like to make lists for special events, like what we're going to buy for vacation food, etc., but they're usually more artwork than list. He would procrastinate homework forever without being given a deadline.
I'm guessing P.
So right now, I'm leaning toward INTP, but I'm curious if anyone has thoughts.
I vs. E - my son is happily social, but he also loves to spend time alone. His activities of choice are drawing, crafts, video games and reading. (He's obsessed with video games and would play them forever if we let him.) Video games can easily be something social for him, where he can't wait to see a friend to tell them about a new development, or wants to play with friends when they come over. When video games were not an option with a certain friend, after a little while of talking, he pulled out a book to read (alone) and had to be taught that that behavior was rude. He plays happily with his younger brother, but often stops playing in favor of a book. He likes people, but gets a bit nervous about introductions. If someone has a common interest such as video games or Pokemon cards, he's chatting happily within minutes, but if someone's into sports or something else that doesn't really interest my son, he doesn't have much to say to them.
I'm guessing Introvert?
S vs. N - I don't have a whole lot of info here, because I'm still trying to understand this one. He's happy to play sports but only does so at our suggestion. He is an absolute space cadet during soccer, not paying any attention to what's going on or where the ball is. He gets a bit whiny when anything gets too physically demanding, like running laps. He's often lost in his own world of thought and we have to speak to him two or three times before he even hears us. He's not naturally drawn to mechanical things, but he is good at looking at directions and putting things together, such as origami or a shoe rack I bought unassembled. He is an 'ideas' person, always thinking of some new club or group he could form, or business he could start, and making grand plans.
I'm guessing N?
T vs. F - He taught himself to read and has always been really exceptional at retaining information. He would be the type to point out an error on a teacher's part, I think not maliciously but because any error bothers him. Before he's directed to think about it differently, he tends to assume viewpoints that oppose his are stupid. I would guess T so far, but I have also seen him become overwhelmed with emotion, something I'm familiar with as an INFP. If he's really embarrassed or the situation overwhelms him, he's been known to break into tears. (As an INFP, I often feel overwhelmed without knowing why. I'm not sure if he has the words to explain, because in these situations he says he doesn't want to talk about it.) He also has a blatant disregard for rules. He weighs consequences to decide if it's worth having his own way. He attempts to talk me down or reason with me when he's getting punished or when I make a rule he doesn't like. He can be a champion manipulator if allowed. He's also an instigator. Conflict doesn't seem to bother him a lot. He creates conflict on purpose sometimes and gets a twinkle of satisfaction out of making someone else squirm. He hates math, but he's good at it. He loves science. He also enjoys creative writing, if he can dictate and not have to write it out himself.
Guessing T?
P vs. J - Again, I don't have much info here, but the kid is extraordinarily messy and disorganized. His seat in the car can be filled so full of books, toys, and fast food wrappers that he doesn't have room for his legs, and it still doesn't bother him. The sheets could come off his bed and there could be toys and books right next to his head, and he'd sleep with no trouble. His friends keep Pokemon cards in organized binders, while his are usually in piles around the house. Occasionally he'll go on an organizing binge, but he usually doesn't fully finish it. He leaves a trail of messes behind him wherever he goes. He's usually the last one out of the house when we're going somewhere. He does like to make lists for special events, like what we're going to buy for vacation food, etc., but they're usually more artwork than list. He would procrastinate homework forever without being given a deadline.
I'm guessing P.
So right now, I'm leaning toward INTP, but I'm curious if anyone has thoughts.
Hopefully he'll mature a little bit in that area.
