Temperament and Food
Why is temperament important to physical activity and nutrition? Children with active temperaments tend to be leaner and less likely to become obese. Parent-child conflict due to temperament can increase emotional eating and lead to weight gain. Children who are less active and less persistent at tasks often experience more difficulty in maintaining adequate physical activity.
If you are very active you may find it easy to exercise but hard to sit down and eat a meal. If you need routines, new foods or going to a new park may be a difficult experience. When we understand our family’s temperaments it makes it easier to encourage healthy practices.
What is your family’s “temperament fit”?
The questions below list the basic temperament traits and some words associated with eating, food and physical activity that describe that trait. Read the descriptions and choose the number closest to where you think your temperament would fall.
| Very Active | Less Active |
| Problems sitting at table for long
Won’t come in to eat Sometimes forget to eat because busy Always moving Restless Hyper Loves to be outside
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Dawdle at table
Eat very slowly May tend to be overweight Snack and watch TV much of the time TV or video games preferred to activity May not like going outside Prefer quieter activities such as reading and games May not like group physical activities
|
| Very Sensitive | Less Sensitive |
| Often complain about the smell of food
May not like foods with different textures Finger foods not liked May not like new foods Foods with salt or strong flavors are rejected May not enjoy group sports where there is a lot of noise and people May prefer individual physical activity inside May not like group games with touching
|
Doesn’t mind trying new foods and tastes
Likes finger foods Enjoys helping cook Is not always aware of different tastes, colors and textures of foods Doesn’t mind group sports or games that involve touching Likes outdoor games May not be aware of hurting others in physical games or begin hurt
|
| Very Aware of Feelings | Less Aware of Feelings |
| Enjoys meals with the family
Tries to please by eating everything offered Has difficulty eating or overeats when upset May say she feels bad when not wanting to eat Prefers games involving role play May say she feels bad when not wanting to do activity May become very involved with a sport or game and be upset when losing
|
May refuse foods others offers often in inappropriate ways
When not wanting a food may throw a tantrum or act angry May be interested in food labels and nutrition information May be motivated by facts about activity May not be aware of feelings of others that lose and be inappropriate May hurt others in play and not understand why they are upset
|
| Very Persistent | Less Persistent |
| Continues to push for food when told “no”
May take a long time to eat May have difficulty leaving food on plate even when full Inflexible when others want to choose or change activities May be difficult to get to exercise if they decide not to Tend to overdo at times that may lead to injury |
Often does not finish meal
Difficult to stay at the table until everyone is finished Will want to eat quickly and go to an activity Does not enjoy commitments to a team Prefers physical activity that can be done and stopped easily such as bike riding Won’t stick with any one sport or physical classes |
| Very Focused | Less Focused |
| Often difficult to get them to leave activity and come eat
May be hyperaware of tastes and smells May be very observant of spices and ingredients in foods May not leave TV or games to do physical activity Sometimes can over-exercise Likes activities that require skill building such as ball or swimming
|
May have difficulty finishing meal
May not notice different tastes and textures of foods Difficulty with family meals Prefers a lot of different and shorter physical activities Can be hurt while playing group sports due to inattentiveness Needs reminders to be active
|
| Very Accepting of Change | Less Accepting of Change |
| Likes to try new foods
Doesn’t want to eat the same thing regularly Wants to eat in different places in home or restaurant Likes to try new activities Want to do different things when active Very adaptable to new coaches, teachers and others in group sports and activities
|
Will often want same food for several days in a row
Does not like to try new foods Prefers food that is easily identified, not casseroles Prefers to be on same team each year in sports Wants to stay with the same physical activities May not want to go to parks or other places to play
|
| Prefers Routine | Prefers Variety |
| Wants to eat at the same time every day
Has a favorite cup or plate they need to drink and eat from Gets upset if not at home for meals or snacks on time Prefers team activities that have routines to follow Needs to be warned before a physical activity is initiated Prefers physical activity to follow a pattern and set times
|
Likes to try new foods and restaurants
May be hungry at different times each day May eat small amounts one day and large another Likes to try a variety of activities May have trouble sticking with one sport or activity May want to change a planned activity at the last minute
|
| Happy and Positive | Less Positive |
| Is often silly with food
Tries new things and eats what is cooked Agreeable to what the rest of the family wants for food Enjoys activities that are non-competitive Prefers to exercise with others Tries dangerous or difficult activities
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Not willing to try new foods
May be argumentative when going out to eat May use food to feel happy Often dislikes physical activities in groups Prefers individual activities of his choice Often does not like regular exercise programs
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