We’re all born with a particular temperament or tendency towards a particular demeanour and this can be seen as a kind of continuum. At one end we have our confident, feisty ‘roosters’, and at the other end we have our quiet, empathetic ‘lambs’. And while every single child ever born is a one-off miracle, there are some traits and influences like extroversion, introversion and the dandelion/orchid dispositions described by Bruce Ellis and Thomas Boyce that make up the puzzle of each child. When we can better understand these things, we can be better equipped to support the children, tweens and teens that we live, love and work with.

We also know that the first seven years are so important in shaping the future well-being of children. It’s when the foundations are laid for later learning and healthy development, including life-long physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth.