What Enneagram Type is my Child?

While it’s not possible to personality type children with any degree of accuracy, there are some observable behaviors that can clue you in on your child’s type and help you to understand them a bit better. Note: Truity's Enneagram test is not appropriate for children under the age of 14. Anyone younger than 18 should take the test with parental guidance. ​

Every child has their own unique personality that unfolds over time. While it’s not possible to personality type children with any degree of accuracy, there are some observable behaviors that can clue you in on your child’s type and help you to understand them a bit better.

Here’s a breakdown of the different Enneagram types of children to help you answer, "what Enneagram type is my child?"

What Enneagram type is my child? The heart types

Enneagram Types 2, 3 and 4 are heart types, and guided by their emotions. They understand the world through their feelings and connect with people on an emotional level. If your child is a heart type, you will notice that they express their emotions freely and easily.

Type 2 - The Giver

Enneagram Type 2s are extremely caring and loving. They want to be liked by people so they’re often helpful and express their love very openly. Type 2 children are often gentle and kind and they need affirmations of your love and support to be happy.

Key traits of Type 2 children:

• Plays well with other children
• Warm, kind smile
• Gentle, soft movements
• Sensitive to praise and criticism
• Empathizes easily with others

Type 3 - The Achiever

If your child is an Enneagram Type 3, you’ll notice that they’re concerned about what other people think of them. They’re quick and intelligent but they can also be sensitive to criticism. This Enneagram type is afraid of failure and they don’t like feeling as though they’re not the best at everything.

Key traits of Type 3 children:

• Ambitious and determined
• Sociable and popular with other children
• Concerned with how they look or act around others
• Enjoys winning and being top of their class
• Can often brag about their achievements

Type 4 - The Individualist

Do you notice your child is quirkier than other children? Do they have their own distinctive personality? They might be an Enneagram Type 4. Type 4s are their own people, following their own path. They tend to be creative from a young age but they can sometimes struggle to fit in with other children, especially in big groups.

Key traits of Type 4 children:

• Creative and free thinking
• Likes to show off their individuality
• Can sometimes be shy and self-absorbed
• Is often daydreaming
• Extremely imaginative

What Enneagram type is my child? The head types

Unlike heart types, head types interact with the world through an analytical lens. Children with these Enneagram types – Type 5, 6 and 7 – like intellectual activities and spend a lot of time observing people and how things work. They usually like to have stability and routine in their lives. 

Type 5 - The Investigator

Sometimes quiet and lost in thought, Enneagram Type 5s are big thinkers. For children with this personality type, you’ll notice that they spend a lot of time in their inner world and are usually very independent. They have impressive knowledge of the subjects that interest them and can come out with extremely insightful statements which surprise you!

Key traits of Type 5 children:

• Spends hours playing independently 
• Enjoys exploring the world around them
• Curious and inquisitive
• Dislikes loud people and places
• Can be withdrawn and very private

Type 6 - The Skeptic

If you have a child who takes on the role as Health and Safety Officer in your family, they’re probably an Enneagram Type 6. Type 6 is characterized by their need for safety and security. These children tend to be very respectful of authority and often look for reassurance from parents, teachers and other people they trust and look up to.

Key traits of Type 6 children:

• Likes things to be neat and tidy
• Easily worried about safety
• Can take things very seriously
• Likes to stay close to the people they trust
• Can be anxious and insecure

Type 7 - The Enthusiast

Thrill-seekers and adventurers, Type 7 children are always on the hunt for fun. They love making up new games and exploring new places, which means they can get bored quickly. Type 7s are always on the go and never sit still for long.

Key traits of Type 7 children:

• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Popular with other children
• Fun-loving and excitable
• Can exaggerate and even tell lies
• Fearless and bold

What Enneagram type is my child? The body types

Children belonging to the Enneagram body types – Types 8 , 9 and 1 – interact with the world through their five senses. They experience things with their body, going on gut feeling rather than analytical reasoning. For children with these Enneagram types, you’ll notice they follow their emotions and react to situations instinctively.

Type 8 - The Challenger

Called the Challenger for a reason, Type 8 children are natural leaders and are often questioning authority. They are extremely self-confident and can sometimes be argumentative. You’ll also notice Type 8 children standing up for others, especially children who are quieter or less confident than themselves.

Key traits of Type 8 children:

• Stubborn and strong-willed
• Can get angry and frustrated easily
• Usually very honest and direct
• Independent and confident
• Dislikes being told what to do

Type 9 - The Peacemaker

Relaxed and happy children, Type 9s are the peace lovers in their family and social group. They like to live in harmonious environments and are happy to follow the will of the bigger group. Type 9 children don’t impose their views on other people. They avoid conflict, but they can also be stubborn when they need to be.

Key traits of Type 9 children:

• Calm and laid-back about most things
• Tends to be compassionate and good at mediating in groups
• Well-liked by other children
• Likes to take things slow
• Dislikes confrontation and arguments

Type 1 - The Perfectionist

Enneagram Type 1 children want things to be done correctly, all the time. These children tend to be sticklers for detail and they can be overly strict with themselves - and their parents! They can sometimes get frustrated by other people, especially if they don’t follow the rules or do things the way the Type 1 thinks they should be done.

Key traits of Type 1 children:

• Can be serious and self-critical
• Very responsible
• Cares a lot about the expectations of parents and teachers
• Has a strong sense of right and wrong
• Can be anxious or frustrated when things aren’t perfect

What Enneagram type is your child?

Children’s personalities can change often, especially as they grow up. This means it’s hard to assign personality types to children, so don’t worry if your child is displaying behaviors from several types – that’s just what a child does! But as they grow and mature, you should be able to see more of the traits of their type coming through. Hopefully, this will lead you towards a greater understanding and acceptance of who your child is and why they act the way they do.