How to Motivate a Type B Child: Use These Proven Strategies

As parents, we all want to teach kids the skills they need to succeed. Some parents discover that their child has different personality traits from their own, which can be an unanticipated challenge. For example, if a parent feels internally driven to do their best and stay on top of tasks, but their child's more relaxed, they might wonder why that is or what to do. This is the case for many parents with a Type B child. 

Parents can help kids do what they need to do without changing their child's personality or temperament, but some aren't sure how. This article will discuss Type A vs. Type B personalities and what they look like in children, as well as ways parents can motivate Type B children effectively and without harm. 

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Type B Vs. Type A

First, let's discuss what it means to be Type A vs. Type B. 

A "Type A personality" refers to a personality type largely defined by perfectionism. A person who is Type A will usually be hard on themselves, competitive, and afraid to fail or have flaws. Being Type A can seem ideal on the outside but is correlated with health problems like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

On the other hand, a Type B personality is a personality type where a person's relaxed and laid back. They aren't driven by the same internal pressure a Type A person is and may not be overly concerned when achievements or goals aren't met.

Some people will fall in the middle, but others lean toward one type or the other.

In children

Information about Type A vs. Type B personalities often relates to adults, so how does each type present in kids? A child's performance and temperament in school or during extracurricular activities are typically where you'll notice it first, but some also notice it during activities at home. 

If your child’s mellow or daydreamy and it seems to roll off their shoulders when things like homework and chores aren't done or don't "meet the marks," they’re most likely Type B. This isn't negative. Type B kids aren't lazy, nor does being Type B mean that a person won't find success. They're simply more prone to think, "No rush!" or "That's okay," whereas a Type A person might think, "I need to be the best, and I need to get this done."

While those who are Type A often need to learn to go easier on themselves, parents may worry about how to motivate Type B kids to perform well in school or other parts of life.

How To Motivate A Type B Child

It’s possible to encourage kids who are Type B and help them succeed. The key is to focus on tasks or skills that matter most and avoid trying to make them someone they're not with stress and control (even if it’s unintentional), which can have negative impacts beyond hurt feelings. So, how do you strike that delicate balance and help kids learn to do what they need to? Here are some tips for parenting and motivating a Type B child.

Try Joon To Help

Joon is a children's to-do app that doubles as a game. Regardless of personality type, using Joon is an excellent way to help reward kids to get motivated, focus, and finish tasks. 

Here's how it works:

First, parents install the Joon Parent App and make a task list for their kids. You can add unlimited tasks, from homework to household chores and other parts of your child's routine. Children connect with a separate app called Joon Pet Game. When kids finish tasks assigned by parents, they get rewards in the game that let them move forward and take care of a virtual pet called a Doter.

90% of kids who use Joon complete all their tasks, and many parents say the app has improved their family dynamic.

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Accept your child for who they are

The most important thing a parent can do across the board is to accept their child for who they are. Remember, there are benefits to being "Type B.” It is also relevant to note that the vast majority of Type B kids become more motivated as they age. Regardless of which type they lean toward, many people eventually find a balance between goal-oriented behavior and stress management. 

Type B kids can increase their motivation but are unlikely to respond well to competitiveness or being pushed. Pick your battles and focus on the tasks that matter most.

Understand what motivates them

Rather than change your child, it's time to problem-solve. Find what motivates them. It can take trial and error, but many kids respond well to the right kind of reward. Here are some ideas to try:

Verbal praise

Reward effort through words. Focus on what they put into work, such as sitting down to do their homework or going to basketball practice, rather than the outcome (e.g., grades or winning the game). This is a great way to promote a child’s work ethic. 

Reward systems

There are multiple kinds of reward systems a child can benefit from. For younger children, sticker charts, experiences like going to the park, and small objects work well. For an older kid or teen, token systems that let kids work up to bigger rewards are ideal.

Be patient

If your family has a Type B-leaning child, staying patient with them matters. Since your child's nature is more laid back and you don’t want to cause stress, it's crucial to remain gentle, calm, and patient when giving instructions.

Having routines that are supportive and structured - but not extreme - can motivate and help a child develop healthy study, self-care, or other habits. With routines, kids get used to starting and completing chores, homework, and personal hygiene tasks at certain times. 

When your child doesn't start what they're supposed to, give reminders and guide them back to the task.

Make tasks fun

Children described as Type B tend to be playful, creative thinkers. Making tasks fun will encourage your child's ability to complete them positively and effectively. Here are some ideas:

• Turn chores into games. For example, you might play a game where your kid "races against the clock" while cleaning or finishing similar tasks by setting a timer and giving your child the challenge of getting as much as they can before it runs out.
• Using games, videos, or songs to promote learning. To motivate Type B kids to learn, get creative, and find fun ways to teach skills and subjects like math, reading, or writing.
• Sit with them and help kids through tasks. Some kids respond well to body-doubling or having someone nearby while they start something like a class project.

Talk to your child

Challenges often arise most for parents when their child really needs to do something, but the child's behavior indicates that they aren't concerned. Talking with your child without putting too much stress on them is possible.

Tell your child that you really need them to do the specific task (such as start a project for class) and why. Express that all they need to do is their best, and give praise along the way.

It's about the process and the skills they develop, not perfection. Listen to their response and their feelings, putting in the effort to truly listen. This talk can also be the time to implement a reward system if you’ve thought about it in advance. 

Takeaway 

Type A and Type B describe two different personality types. Type A can tend toward stress and perfectionism, whereas Type B has a more laid-back approach to completing tasks or meeting goals. When parenting a Type B child, it makes sense to wonder how to motivate your child best, especially if you don’t share the same type. Patience, making things fun, and using rewards and praise are valuable techniques for parenting kids who lean toward Type B.