28. INFJ Human, Enneagram Type 3: Author Elizabeth Watkins, Highly Sensitive and High Achieving Kids

INFJ’s are one of the rarest types representing less than 1% of the population. Today my interview is with Elizabeth Reed Watkins who just published a memoir of her life growing up in Maine entitled the Maine Thing. We will discuss how she parents her four very different kids and she gives advice for parents with an INFJ child. She is also an Enneagram Type 3, so this episode will resonate with all the over achievers out there as well. Going back through her journey we talk about vivid dreams, imagination, friendships, sports, learning, deep emotional struggles and balancing her high ideals and need to achieve with the need to stay grounded. Stay tuned to the end because we have a mini coaching session to help all the over achievers out there, and I am one of them, learn to be easier on themselves. In true INFJ style, Elizabeth is truly vulnerable and authentic in this interview. Here are five main takeaways:

Encourage Imagination and don’t accuse them of lying

Let them daydream and have time to recharge

Realize they are an introvert and highly sensitive person and help them with coping strategies

Choose their activities carefully; Individual sports may be better for them than team sports

Pay attention to their activity level because overachieving can be a red flag

I just worked with parents who were looking at their ISTP Enneagram Type 8 lion daughter with a distorted lens. They were seeing her leadership capabilities and determination as demanding, her ability to problem solve as manipulation and they were expecting her to be a rule follower like her brother rather than an independent thinker. Connection and Control are the two most important needs for any child. They just purchased my Thrive program so they can reframe the way they see and work with their kids and have more peace in their home. You can take the first step by going to WendyGossett.com and taking my free child temperament test for one of your kids. I evaluate the results myself which is what sets it apart from other tests. If you want to strengthen your family connections, I know I can help!

Elizabeth’s book: https://www.elizabethreedwatkins.com/

Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/category/resources/ or email me at WendyGossett.com

Get a FREE Child Temperament Test when you join my Not So Normal Parenting Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/notsonormalparenting

Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/

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