Roosters and lambs: which one is your child?

Of all the words you could use to describe children, 'roosters' and 'lambs' probably aren't high on the usual list.

However, if you ask author and parenting resilience educator Maggie Dent, they're useful terms when it comes to talk about children's temperaments.

Curious? You're in luck—in the latest episode of our Honey Mums podcast, Dent explains how roosters and lambs sit at opposite ends of the temperament spectrum.

LISTEN: Maggie Dent explains the lamb and rooster theory on Honey Mums. (Post continues.)

"Our roosters are our feisty 'oh my goodness' hard work, high-energy, serious-case-of-FOMO, don't want to share [types]. They question you and challenge you at all sorts of levels and are hungry for power," she says.

"At the other end are our sensitive, gentle lambs, who are so thoughtful and so empathetic and caring and they love sleep."

Sound familiar? 

WATCH: The Sticky Situations panel tackles a very modern parenting question. (Post continues.)

Dent says the challenge for parents of children who fit these descriptions is helping them move closer to the centre of the temperament spectrum, rather than sit at the extremities. 

"[That way], they can access 'rooster' when they want to be really assertive and strong and stand up for themselves, and also choose to take risks with purpose," she explains.

Listen to the Honey Mums podcast to learn more about what 'rooster' and 'lamb' children need, and Dent's tips for how parents can best support them.