Take the Test
Introverted Observant Thinking Prospecting
Virtuoso

ISTP Personality

ISTP-A vs. ISTP-T

Virtuosos are innovative and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds of tools.

A scene representing the ISTP personality type (Virtuoso). An ISTP individual is depicted working on a motorcycle, surrounded by various tools, tires, and shelving units filled with boxes and equipment. The ISTP appears focused and engaged in the hands-on task of repairing or maintaining the vehicle. The setting suggests a workshop or garage environment well-suited to the ISTP’s practical skills and interests in mechanics and problem-solving.
I Introverted S Observant T Thinking P Prospecting

Parenthood

When it comes to parenting, people with the ISTP personality type (Virtuosos) give their children plenty of freedom and opportunity to do what they want – within sensible limits, of course. They generally feel that kids should be able to express themselves, even if it disturbs others in the process.

It’s a big world out there. From the point of view of ISTPs, it’s meant to be explored and experienced without anyone trying to exert too much control over what other people can and can’t do – even if they’re kids.

ISTP (Virtuoso) parents

While often permissive, open-minded, and flexible, ISTP personalities still expect their children to use their freedom wisely. Nothing would be quite as perplexing to these parents as their children using that freedom to sit inside and watch television all day.

The World Is Your Oyster

Early in life, this attitude is tremendously beneficial for their children. At this age, every little thing is a miracle to be explored with every sense. Blocks don’t just have distinct colors and shapes, but smells and tastes too, and this sort of sensory exploration is right up ISTP personalities’ alley.

As their children develop their motor skills, ISTPs are happy to stack those blocks right along with them. And as their children grow and acquire more complex abilities, ISTPs find great joy in showing them how to use real tools to build real things.

If these personalities’ growing children share their basic qualities of spontaneity and passion for hands-on activities, they are happy to accompany them on just about any adventure. None of this is anything that gets forced on their children, though. ISTPs see little need in imparting their principles and interests on their children, instead just enjoying that their children enjoy doing things.

Of course, there’s always a balance to be found. Ensuring that their children are responsible enough to not do anything life-changingly reckless in their teenage years can be a challenge for parents of this type.

Where parents with the ISTP personality type struggle most, as with their other relationships, is in emotional bonding. Emotional control is something that children learn and adapt to over years, and comparatively unemotional ISTPs are often left at a loss for what to do in the meantime. It takes a great deal of conscious effort on their part to be able to provide the sort of emotional understanding and support that their children need.