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Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Judging
Protagonist

ENFJ Personality

ENFJ-A vs. ENFJ-T

Protagonists are inspiring optimists, readily taking action to do what they feel is right.

A scene depicting the Protagonist personality type (ENFJ). An adult ENFJ, wearing a green soccer jersey, stands on a soccer field with three young players, all in matching uniforms. The ENFJ holds a soccer ball and gestures enthusiastically, appearing to be coaching or mentoring the children. In the background, soccer goals and trees suggest an outdoor sports setting. The image conveys the ENFJ’s natural inclination towards leadership, especially in guiding and developing others.
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Parenthood

People with the ENFJ personality type (Protagonists) 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, ENFJs see it as their mission to help their children grow into their best, kindest, most capable selves.

To do this, ENFJs 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 them, one of the greatest rewards of parenthood is watching their children blossom into their unique personalities.

ENFJ (Protagonist) parents

Life’s Most Important Lessons

But just because ENFJ personalities are compassionate and nurturing doesn’t mean that they adopt an “anything goes” mindset. Like all parents, these types occasionally pull rank and tell their children to do something “because I said so.” In their heart of hearts, however, ENFJs want to make sure that their children do the right thing out of understanding, not blind obedience.

Fortunately, these idealistic, good-natured parents can explain the difference between right and wrong in ways that uplift and inspire their children. These types also tend to excel at setting clear, age-appropriate rules and boundaries so that their children understand the consequences of behavior that’s irresponsible or unkind. And just as importantly, ENFJ personalities teach by example, modeling the kinds of behaviors that they hope their children will emulate.

Even when ENFJ parents behave strictly, they do so out of love – in an effort to instill in their children strong values and a sense of personal responsibility.

People with this personality type aren’t merely disciplinary figures. ENFJs are compassionate guides that embody the values that they hope their children uphold, including genuine authenticity, fairness, and respect for different people and perspectives. Their leading by example often results in their children growing up with a remarkable appreciation for the diversity in the world and a purpose-driven outlook on life.

Great Expectations

ENFJ parents have high standards for their children, and these expectations generally come with the best of intentions. They simply want to be sure that their children are on a path toward a meaningful, fulfilling life that makes good use of their potential.

ENFJ personalities pride themselves on their ability to see what each person brings to the world – a trait that helps them recognize all the ways in which their children are gifted and capable.

At times, however, their expectations may seem overwhelming to their children. Children of ENFJ 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, ENFJs may need to reassure their children that they are loved for who they are, not what they do.

A Bedrock of Support

Fortunately, ENFJs’ 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.

Whatever their children need in order to thrive, ENFJ parents dedicate the time and energy necessary to provide it.

As they mature, ENFJs’ 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 the lessons that have been woven into the fabric of their character, including honesty, empathy, accountability, and the vital importance of doing the right thing.