In this episode 5 chapters
- Types Grow in Relationship
Keith argues that personality type develops inside a web of relationships.
- Making the Invisible Visible
Keith names what children need: secure attachment and safety from abuse and neglect.
- Boundaries, Play, and Openness
Keith criticizes child-centric parenting and praises fathers' rough-and-tumble play.
- Children as Citizens
The two compare isolated poor families with hyper-competitive elite ones and describe what every child needs: to feel known, accepted, and protected.
- Facets of Unity
The two celebrate the joy of having your mind changed and the lesson of types: other people aren't defective versions of yourself.
Dr Keith Witt talks with Jeff about how to better support children’s development. Dr. Keith argues that the healthy expression of a person’s type (their preferences, gifts and built-in challenges) is based largely on their early relationships.
The earlier in development we go, the more impactful the biological and social factors are in determining a child’s personality and typology. Before conception and during gestation, variables in parents will determine who their babies will become. Birth and bonding in the first year have huge impacts with multiple critical periods.
This continues throughout childhood, with typological variables forming, being interactively reinforced, and then self-amplifying in personality development. Abuse and neglect are catastrophic to the developing child, increasing the odds of every form of psychological, relational, and physical problem.
The less trauma we absorb the healthier the expression of our natural type. We can all get involved in preventing and remediating childhood traumas by providing more attuned care to children of all ages, as well as by supporting their mothers, fathers and the creation of a healthy environment.
About Keith Witt
Dr. Keith Witt is a Licensed Psychologist, teacher, and author who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara, CA. for over forty years. Dr. Witt is also the founder of The School of Love.
About Jeff Salzman
Jeff Salzman worked with Ken Wilber for several years in building the Integral Institute. He is a co-founder of Boulder Integral, the first bricks-and-mortar venue dedicated to the development of integral consciousness. These days Jeff provides integrally-inspired commentary on politics and culture on Integral Life and The Daily Evolver.
