This profile provides important new insights to help you connect with your child and build the healthiest, most fulfilling relationship possible.

Responsible Hard Worders… 

tend to be serious and cautious. They especially like routines and traditions they’re familiar with. By their nature, they like structure, boundaries and following the rules. And they expect others to follow them as well. 

Responsible Hard Workers usually respect authority figures such as parents, teachers, doctors and police officers, and don’t tend to push the envelope or “rock the boat.” They have a strong sense of duty and often feel an obligation to help others. They are usually compliant when it comes to doing their chores, finishing homework, helping out with younger siblings and taking care of their pets.

They are most comfortable when plans have been made, and they can get upset when plans get changed – especially at the last minute. They are also people who – even as kids – have a strong work ethic and like to finish whatever they start – be it games, art projects, puzzles, etc. 

Potential vulnerabilities

Research shows that most Responsible Hard Workers tend to have a lower risk for anxiety and depression and online bullying, especially if they are “Thinkers” – (children who tend to be more objective and take things less personally), than “Feelers” (kids who tend to be more sensitive). But because every individual is unique, this does not mean that your child is necessarily at an increased or decreased risk for any of these three.

How to nurture your child  

“Meet your child where they are.” Great advice: easy to give, and much harder to do! Stretching outside of one’s comfort zone is hard and may take practice, especially when the parent’s and child’s personality types are very different. 

But it is no less important than making sure your child is safe, clothed, or fed and may be more critical to protecting their mental health and promoting their well-being. We all have gifts that make us special and for which we want and need to be appreciated. 

Your Responsible Hard Worker’s…

greatest gift is likely their sense of responsibility, dedication to doing the right thing and being helpful to others. Recognizing and appreciating these as some of your child’s “superpowers” lets them know that you really see them and love them for who they are. 

It’s not unusual for one parent to be naturally better at having conversations that involve emotions. If this is the case, the parent who is less comfortable can learn to communicate more effectively by watching and listening to how the other parent interacts with their child. 

Your Responsible Hard Worker…

child probably enjoys solving problems. You are likely to have greater success engaging them in conversation if you ask them specific questions, rather than hypothetical ones. For example, if you ask them “what do you think Jason will do if you tell him he hurt your feelings?”, you’re likely to be met with a blank stare.  But if you ask them “Have you told Jason that he hurt your feelings…what did he say (or do)?” you’ll probably get much more useful information.