The choleric child is an extroverted, assertive child. His will to be out in front marks him as a leader. He likes to have the main role in a play or to organise others. This temperament likes to win but seldom bears a grudge. Opposing the will of such a child generally gets the parent nowhere. He needs to be appreciated and given things to do which challenge him and use up his excessive energy. He learns best from people who can do things well and whom he can admire. He doesn't easily learn from his mistakes. If guided well, the choleric child brings initiative and originality to his play.

The sanguine child is also extrovert but lacks the fiery inner purpose of the choleric and is activated more by what is going on around her. She has difficulty in concentrating on one thing for long and a new event easily distracts her. This restless changeability can be a bane for parents and teachers. The interest she shows in everything makes her popular and a good social bridge-builder. It is hard for her to bear antipathy from a friend or an adult, for she is most herself when she feels loved.

In extreme forms, she can appear superficial and may be unable to concentrate for long. It is good to encourage her to stick to a task.

The phlegmatic child is introverted. She doesn't easily connect with what is going on around her, for her interest is not easily aroused. She is generally easy to bring up so she may not get the attention she needs. She is generally placid and doesn't anger except when extremely frustrated. She is methodical, keeping her things in order. She can be counted on to do what she sets out to do, although speed is no object. She has a certain stubborness, making her resistant to new ideas. She adores routine. She needs to be encouraged to join in with other children and to try new activities.

The melancholic child experiences his physical body as something of a burden. A minor physical injury causes excessive pain and while he likes others to know this, he doesn't want to be consoled. He usually avoids social life and prefers to play by himself. This inner concentration gives this child a special depth and understanding which parents can appreciate. Such lonely souls need a great deal of love and understanding, but too much sympathy is unhelpful - for he is, to some extent, in love with his own suffering. Making him aware of the suffering of others can often help to take him out of his self-centredness. Adapted from "Planes of Development" by John B. Thomson in Natural Childhood - A Practical Guide to the First Seven Years (Gaia Books)