Your Child Isn’t a Blank Slate

Babies are born with a personality, and adapting your parenting is the key to successful parenting

Maria Chapman
11 min readFeb 24, 2020
Photos by Maria Chapman

Your first child was docile from birth. He cooed in response to any stimuli and slept when it was time to sleep. He would let you know he was hungry but was content to wait until lunch was ready to eat. Naptime could happen whenever it was convenient. This boy is what parents refer to as an easy baby. It took him a while to learn to walk; his nervousness impacted his ability.

As the boy grows, he is risk-averse from the start. He’d prefer to remain on the ground with a book than swing from the trees like the neighbor kid. He’s still easily pleased, and not likely to be bothered by changes in his routine. He’s also afraid to speak up about his needs at home and school.

Your daughter is born with her voice on, and it never seems to turn off. Her volume is set to high, whether she’s pleased or angry. There is no moderation in her tiny being. If naptime or bedtime is even a minute late, she’ll let you know. You could set your clock by her behavior.

In her toddler years, she refuses to wear anything not made of soft, stretchy cotton. You can brush her hair, but only a certain way, and don’t you dare try anything like a braid. She lets you know her wants and…

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Maria Chapman

Maria Chapman is the CEO of Connected Ghostwriting, LLC. She writes about mental health, social justice, relationships, and business leadership.