What’s Your Child’s Temperament? A Four-Type Test and Parenting Tips

Temperament is like a built-in program in a child: it decides how your little one reacts to noise, new toys, or punishment. You can’t fix it or switch it — you can only understand it and adjust your parenting. The idea of four types (choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic) dates back to Hippocrates, but Pavlov and psychologist Hans Eysenck developed it further. They showed that temperament depends on the strength of the nervous system, its flexibility, and the balance between excitation and inhibition. A child inherits it genetically, but upbringing can highlight strengths and soften weaknesses.

Fun fact: 70% of kids have a mixed type, but one always dominates. Ignore temperament, and a choleric becomes "difficult," while a melancholic turns "too sensitive." Pay attention, and both grow confident.

Child Temperament Test

Here’s a simple 20-question test. Parents answer for kids up to 7–8 years old. Each “yes” = 1 point. Write down the numbers where you answer “yes.”

1. Falls asleep quickly after an active day?
2. Switches easily from one game to another?
3. Laughs and shouts loudly with joy?
4. Stays upset for a long time if something goes wrong?
5. Loves new toys but drops them quickly?
6. Can play the same game quietly for hours?
7. Often argues and bosses others during play?
8. Cries if someone shouts loudly?
9. Makes friends easily on the playground?
10. Eats slowly, chews for a long time?
11. Gets irritated quickly if something doesn’t work on the first try?
12. Can sit quietly and draw for hours?
13. Runs, jumps, and doesn’t tire out easily?
14. Scared of loud sounds or sudden movements?
15. Forgets grudges in 5 minutes?
16. Hard to make tidy up toys quickly?
17. Loves being the center of attention and telling stories?
18. Needs quiet and alone time after daycare?
19. Reacts fast to “no” — screams or hits?
20. Worries for a long time if a favorite toy is lost?

How to Score

Add up your “yes” answers for each group. The highest score shows the dominant type. If two scores are close, the child has a mixed type.

• Sanguine (lively, sociable) - Max 7 points:
  Count "yes" for questions: 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, 15, 17
• Phlegmatic (calm, slow) - Max 5 points:
  Count "yes" for questions: 1, 6, 10, 12, 16
• Choleric (energetic, impulsive) - Max 6 points:
  Count "yes" for questions: 7, 11, 19.
  (Also add 1 point for each "yes" on 3, 13, and 17, as these traits overlap).
• Melancholic (sensitive, vulnerable) - Max 6 points:
  Count "yes" for questions: 4, 8, 14, 18, 20.
  (Also add 1 point for a "yes" on 12, as this trait overlaps).

What the Result Means

Sanguine (5–7 points)
This child is cheerful, adapts fast, and loves company.
Plus: Learns easily, doesn’t hold grudges.
Minus: Scatters attention, drops tasks easily.
Tip: Give a clear schedule with playful elements. Don’t punish for long — they forget and move on quickly.

Phlegmatic (4–5 points)
This child is calm, patient, and never in a rush.
Plus: Doesn’t shout or fight, listens well.
Minus: Slow to start new activities, hard to hurry.
Tip: Do not rush them. Praise the result, not the speed. Allow ample time to transition, especially from sleep to activity.

Choleric (4–6 points)
Energy overflows for this child. They are a natural leader, but can explode easily.
Plus: Brave, takes initiative.
Minus: Screams, fights, and hates hearing “no.”
Tip: Channel their immense energy into sports or creativity. Set clear rules calmly. After a meltdown, offer a hug, don’t shout back.

Melancholic (4–6 points)
This child is sensitive, feels deeply, and fears new things.
Plus: Empathetic, creative, and observant.
Minus: Cries easily at criticism, holds grudges.
Tip: Praise often. Criticize gently and indirectly (“The toy fell because…” not “You dropped it.”). Create a safe, predictable space and don’t force public performances.

Mixed types? Use the strengths of both.
Example: Choleric-Sanguine — a leader-entertainer. Give them responsibility that includes having fun.
Example: Melancholic-Phlegmatic — a quiet dreamer. Don’t rush them, and gently encourage them to share their feelings.

Psychology insight: Eysenck proved that extroverts (sanguine, choleric) need more stimulation, while introverts (phlegmatic, melancholic) need less. This is why the first group gets tired of silence, and the second group gets overwhelmed by noise.

The test isn’t 100% accurate, but it points the way. Watch your child in different situations — parenting gets easier when you understand their base settings. Temperament isn’t a verdict, it’s a map. Use it right, and your child will bloom.