Temperament - Goodness of Fit

Goodness of Fit is the match or mismatch of temperament traits between two members of the family.  There are usually three people in a family, and therefore, three temperaments – parent number one's, parent number two's and the child’s.  How these temperaments fit together often explains how easy it is to parent the child as a team.

There are 3 typical Goodness of Fit challenges to parenting as a team:

• Parent one and child fit together easily, but parent two doesn’t
• Parent two and child fit together easily, but parent one doesn’t
• Both parents fit together easily, but their child doesn’t

It is important for parents to know how they rank on the nine temperament traits.  It is often helpful for both parents to complete the Goodness of Fit worksheet separately, and then compare the ratings they gave themselves and each other.

To complete the Goodness of Fit Worksheet, identify the level of traits that you feel you have. Also identify the levels of the traits that your partner has. Have your partner complete their own sheet and then compare your answers.

Download the Goodness of Fit Worksheet (PDF)

Once that is done, it can be beneficial for both parents to complete the Temperament Worksheet for your child, and then examine how the child and the parents fit, or do not fit, together as a family.

Download the Temperament Worksheet (PDF)