I know my image above looks nothing like coins, but hey, I tried. I often use the double-sided-coin analogy to communicate personality traits to my children. You see, I love my children for their uniqueness, and seek to allow them to grow into all God wants them to be. I want them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their personality and how they can shine. Every personality trait has a positive side (heads) and a negative side (tails).
For example, if you are an organised genius (great quality, ie. heads), you may also be a bit of a control freak (not so great quality, ie. tails). Or, if you are laid-back, easy-going person (great quality) you may be disorganised and messy (not so great quality). Personally, I’m passionate and driven (great quality) but this means I can also be forgetful of what’s going on around me, or thoughtless as my Mum used to say (not so great quality).
I was raised in this manner; that is, I was forced to acknowledge my faults along with celebrating my assets. In this process there was no attack to my person in any way; I always felt loved and incredibly special. It’s a beauitful thing when someone sees all the good in you and knows all the bad, and loves you regardless.
My children are incredibly special and I love them for who they are and all the positive I can see in them. It really makes me cry to think of it. I seek to help my children discover the strengths in their personality, and also the down side, so they can strive, with God’s strength, to allow the positive to outshine the negative.
Be A Fun Mum Related Links
You Are Sooooo Beautiful Book Review
External Links
Negative Side of Positive Psychology by Barbara S Held
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Kelly – have you ever heard of personality colours – this is an amzing tool to use for any relationship in understanding who they are. I am not sure what you have in Australia but I will try to find the link for you …
hugs and so good for you in realizing that not everyone has the same personality and it is about recognizing strengths and knowing ans accepting the “tails” 
Yes I have heard about personality colours. It’s a lovley way to communicate, especially to children. Yes, please send me the link if you have it… and I’ll add it to the post. It was my Mum that helped me accept that in myself and I seek to do the same for my children. xx
Wow, it’s great to come across someone who naturally understands that traits are both positive & negative, and that truly loving someone is seeing them as a whole. I had to learn that, instead of be taught it by my family! Have you heard of the ‘demartini method’? That’s what my training is in – sounds like you would rsonate well with Dr Demartini.
I feel so grateful my Mum invested so much time and effort into raising me. Thank you for sharing the other links… I’ll have a look.
WOW, with this post alone, you have helped me MORE than you can ever know. Thank you for such wise words and such a simple and effective way of explaining traits….this really is just what I needed today. THANKS
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