Parenthood
Protagonists (ENFJs) bring all of their gifts to raising children, including their compassion, their resolve, and even their leadership skills. As parents, they are guided by a deep sense of purpose. Specifically, they see it as their mission to help their children grow into their best, kindest, most capable selves.
To do this, Protagonists strive to create a loving, encouraging, and supportive home life for their children. Parents with this personality type promote creativity and authenticity, freeing their children to speak their minds and be themselves. For Protagonists, one of the greatest rewards of parenthood is watching their children blossom into their unique personalities.
Life’s Most Important Lessons
This doesn’t mean that Protagonists adopt an “anything goes” mindset. Like all parents, these personality types occasionally pull rank and tell their children to do something “because I said so.” In their heart of hearts, however, Protagonists want to make sure that their children do the right thing out of understanding, not blind obedience.
These types usually set clear, age-appropriate rules and boundaries, so that their children understand the consequences of behavior that’s irresponsible or unkind. Even when Protagonist parents behave strictly, however, they do so out of love – in an effort to instill in their children strong values and a sense of personal responsibility.
Fortunately, these idealistic, good-natured parents can explain the difference between right and wrong in ways that uplift and inspire their children. And just as importantly, Protagonist personalities teach by example, modeling the kinds of behaviors that they hope their children will emulate.
Great Expectations
Parents with this personality type have high standards for their children. These expectations generally come with the best of intentions – Protagonists simply want to be sure that their children are on a path toward a meaningful, fulfilling life that makes good use of their potential.
At times, however, Protagonists’ expectations may seem overwhelming to their children. Children of Protagonist personalities may sometimes feel that they need to earn their parents’ love by meeting their standards – standards that might seem impossibly difficult to reach. In these situations, Protagonists may need to reassure their children that they are loved for who they are, not what they do.
A Bedrock of Support
Fortunately, Protagonists’ sensitivity helps them appreciate their children’s deeper needs, including the need for acceptance. Even as they urge their children to grow and learn and chase their dreams, parents with this personality type can offer a bedrock of emotional support that stays with their children for all their lives.
As they mature, Protagonists’ children rarely lose sight of the genuine warmth, care, love, and encouragement that they received from their parents. These children tend to grow up with a deep appreciation for lessons that have been woven into the fabric of their character, including honesty, empathy, accountability, and the vital importance of doing the right thing.