Episode 83

Sandra and Em talk about how the cognitive function of Introverted Thinking (nicknamed Precise Thinking) shows up in kids. This function is used by kids who have ISTP, INTP, ESTP and ENTP preferences in the Myers-Briggs personality type model. 

Full show notes: 

Overview of Precise Thinking

• An Introverted function: deals with the inner world
• A Judging function: deals with how make decisions
• Precise Thinking kids: use frameworks and inner systems of objective logic to decide in a precise way.

In adults (episode 79) we talked about this function having 4 facets:

• Like objective, personalized logic: They make decisions based on personalized reasoning methods they have perfected over time
• Want clarity and precision: They will notice inconsistencies and want to take the time to correct mistakes
• Analyzing and problem solving: They like to find theories, frameworks or principles that make sense to them that they can use to solve problems.
• Thinking is complex, deep and detached: They pull away from the sensory and emotional world to go deep for their decision making

What this looks like in kids:
(these will be true MOST of the time with ISTP/INTP kids and true just some of the time for ESTP/ENTP kids)

• Independent 
  • Want to solve problems for themselves and find their own ways to do things
  • They have their own independence of thought
  • Do not need to find consensus
  • Difficult to find external motivators for them
  • Not concerned by outside measurements/standards

• Analytical and Problem-solving 
  • Like to solve problems
    Like figure out the best approach for something on their own.
  • Like to take things apart from a young age
  • Like activities where they can apply logic, like complex puzzles, number games or building tools like legos.
    
• Precise
  • Value precision and accuracy above all
  • They want to understand and define the truth about things and they assume others do as well
  • May come off as blunt or uncaring about others’ feelings by pointing out earnestly when they perceive something as incorrect
  • Comfortable with ambiguity
    
• Detached
  • Precise Thinking is an internal process, dominant users (INTP/ISTP) of this function  are introverted
  • Detach from their sensory and emotional parts of themselves in order to be able to do deep thinking
  • May not be aware of what’s happening around them or in their body
  • Mave a hard time navigating the confusing social structure of the playground and highschool and beyond

What your child needs:

• Try not to correct them in public
• Don’t be offended by their tendency to shy away from demonstrative affection,
• Give them plenty of time alone to recharge and do their uninterrupted deep thinking. 
• Expect some pushback when it comes to rules and boundaries. 
• explain the logical reasons behind the rules
•  Be as consistent as possible with rules and logical consequences
• Be patient with them and temper your expectations for their emotional maturity
•  Explain the impact that their words and actions have on others in logical terms.
• Create easy-to-follow rules to help them follow their own values and care for others’ emotions
• Provide lots of opportunities for that problem solving, analytical brain to find what it’s passionate about
  

Write in or leave a comment: Do you have a Precise Thinking child? Do you notice these themes in your kid? Tell us about your experience and what has worked for you and what has not.