Childhood to Maturity
INTP
Topics covered in this document:
Introduction
What happens as the INTP grows from childhood through maturity?
Childhood Education
As children, INTPs may be perceived as either socially shy or terribly
argumentative, with little in between.
In school they may be thought to be somewhat unfocused ... pursuing
far too many thoughts and ideas unrelated to the current curriculum.
They may have trouble staying on track.
Worse yet, they are prone to asking the wrong questions at the wrong
times -- though this may often be more a reflection of the teacher's
rigidness than an INTP student's disorganization. Still, the INTP's
behavior can be labeled as disruptive, particularly when it appears
in female students.
The result, inevitably, is that INTPs must work harder than most
students to tolerate and survive their grade school years. When they are
successful, however, they will likely also thrive in the college
environment. The inquisitiveness that is encouraged in higher education
is an INTP's dream come true.
For INTPs, whatever the subject that catches their interest, the joy
is in the learning ... the journey more important than the goal. However,
they still might have trouble sticking to one major field of study,
preferring to jump from one subject to another as their interests and
whims direct them.
The INTP as a Parent
Parenting for an INTP is seen as an opportunity to help young minds grow
and develop. Being very patient and accepting of differences in their
children, INTP parents want their children to grow up enjoying
life, expressing themselves, and living through independent thought.
Clearly preferring that a child develop "mind over body," INTP parents
have an amazing tolerance of, and support for, each child's pursuit of his
or her own identity. If anything, the INTP may be too lenient and
nondirective in their children's development.
The INTP parent opens new possibilities to a child's exploration by
suggesting, not demanding or imposing, multiple alternatives
to whatever thought or action the child may be pursuing at the moment.
Subsequently, if the child doesn't adopt any of the suggested alternatives,
the typical INTP response is simply, "Well, at least I tried."
But sometimes children, even when they seem rebellious, welcome a
parent's "laying down of the law." Those children who fall into this
category are out of luck if they have INTP parents ... for "pushing"
and "imposing" are two words completely foreign to an INTP's
vocabulary.
Family Life
Family events for INTPs are generally fun because they then get a
chance to explore what makes such events -- and the people who attend
them -- tick. At the very least, family occasions and get-togethers
offer food for thought about the ultimate meaning of "family" and its
place in the whole sequence of life. They are often found sitting in
the corner, simply observing and analyzing the various interactions
between the guests.
While an INTP may be remiss in remembering birthdays and anniversaries,
such events are still considered extremely important -- and forgetfulness
is most often inadvertent. And because they are extremely adverse to
schedules, they won't be seen carrying around calendars to remind them.
As an INTP grows and matures, even sleep may be a stepping-off point
for exploration ... for it opens the door to dreams, which provide even
more opportunities for understanding and growth through dream
interpretation.
What Next?
Return to a higher level:
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