16 Parents and Children Taylor

In previous posts, I covered sixteen lovers and sixteen heroes and villains (link below). In the upcoming months, we are going to use the mannequins from Story Building Blocks and do a deep dive on what each character is like as a parent and how they deal with the other characters as children.

Family dynamics, especially parent and child, have a long-lasting impact on how your characters are formed. You don’t have to write a family saga to utilize this insight. It will shape who your character becomes as an adult. It can play a big part in a young adult story world. Even in Science Fiction or Dystopian futures, human traits remain. Childhoods can twist and destroy. A good family can make your hero more lovable and a motivated hero. Mix a character with a good childhood without to give them different world views and definitions of family. Sibling rivalry can be a factor. Who did the parent love more? Who did they connect with? Who did they clash with the most? There are many opportunities to infuse conflict in your plot with parents and children. You can mix parents with different styles. You can craft a complex family dynamic based on their temperaments and needs. As always with any of the traits, you can make them benevolent or malevolent.

The sixteen profiles can be either male or female. I alternated he and she. The character can be a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster family, or other primary caregiver. 

This post will focus on the mannequin TAYLOR.

Taylor puts her children first. She strives to be a good role model and encourages them to make the world a better place. She wants to be appreciated for her goodness and service. Her self-worth is tied up in whether or not her children turn out well. She is strict and has high expectations. She expects them to conform. Deviations from the norm humiliate her. She takes criticism and objective statements about them and from them personally. She is warm and affectionate. She lavishes affirmations. She throws special birthday parties and makes sure the holidays are fun and traditional. She provides what they need on a daily basis. She is suffocating to a child who needs space. She may become pathologically enmeshed in her children’s lives. She takes responsibility for their emotional health as well as making sure they do everything they are supposed to. She is fiercely loyal and overprotective but struggles with rebellion. Taylor hates arguing and conflict. She represses her displeasure then explodes. She manipulates rather than confronts. Taylor punishes subtly by denying them things they want or making them do things they don't want to do. Taylor becomes irritable and rigid when stressed and lacks clear boundaries. She is naturally drawn to Taylor, Nevada, Lee, Dallas, and River. Her opposite is Joss.

TAYLOR/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear consistent rules and a secure routine. Taylor will provide those. Taylor could be too suffocating for her. Wynn is an easy child in the right environment and Taylor will be the nurturer she needs. It could be a happy parent/child relationship. The conflict happens with the way Taylor punishes and when her boundaries aren’t clear enough. Wynn suffers silently and Taylor becomes rigid. Neither of them will communicate their pain, so there is plenty of opportunity for misunderstanding and a lifetime of repressed resentment and anger.

TAYLOR/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. Taylor will provide a stable home and nurturing. Francis is not comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. He is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Taylor may try to push him too far out of his comfort zone. She will be proud of his accomplishments. Francis struggles with overly emotional people and may find Taylor cloying. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. If his competence is questioned frequently, it results in low self-esteem. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. Taylor is the ultimate enabler. Taylor’s manner of punishment won’t make sense to Francis. He is very black and white. He could turn against her. It isn’t the most problematic pairing, but there is plenty of room for conflict.

 TAYLOR/ NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security, and personal attention. He becomes resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks. Taylor will provide security, attention, and lavish praise. Nevada craves acceptance and is eager to please. He does what he is expected to do. He follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He speaks out against unfairness. In that regard, he can be the perfect child for Taylor. However, Taylor’s method of punishing her children may become a point of contention. Nevada will be furious when she refuses requests or attempts to make him do things he doesn’t want to do. Nevada will turn against his parents if they let him down. He struggles to conform to new situations and becomes willfully obstinate if violated. The more Taylor infringes or attempts to manipulate Nevada, the more he will rebel. The more she pushes, the faster he retreats and perhaps strikes out.

TAYLOR/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler. Arden isn’t a snuggler and hates standing still and that can feel like rejection to Taylor. Arden likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. He is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Taylor may find Arden difficult to manage. She won't appreciate his curiosity when he takes things apart. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. Taylor will support his activities as long as they meet her approval. Trouble sets in if they don’t. Arden can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony and Taylor will feel betrayed by that. Hasn’t she done everything for him? Why can’t he appreciate her? Arden wants her approval but may feel suffocated and controlled. This could become a push-pull dynamic that could last a lifetime.

TAYLOR/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. She needs a solid foundation from which to flit. Taylor will provide the calm, nurturing environment but won’t appreciate the flitting. Blair is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer. Taylor may try too hard to push her in to uncomfortable situations. Taylor has a very strong opinion about how things should be and expect Blair to conform and perform. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. She makes special gifts which Taylor will appreciate. Blair rebels if restricted and Taylor’s preferences may be too limiting. As Blair moves from interest to interest, Taylor will try to keep her on track. Conflict will ensue. While Blair can be a pleasant child, she needs room to breathe and Taylor can be suffocating. The more Taylor suffocates Blair, the more she needs to break free. 

TAYLOR/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by restrictions or cloying caregivers. She isn’t a cuddler. Taylor will feel rejected by this. Dallas is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled. Taylor will be controlling rather than a firm guiding hand. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. Her attention is fleeting. She doesn’t do anything long enough to master it. She hates being stuck at a desk listening to other people talk. She forgets to do what she is supposed to. Taylor will disapprove and be embarrassed. The harder Dallas is to control, the angrier Taylor grows. The more Taylor attempts to enforce her preferences, the more Dallas rebels. Dallas can become a very wild child. This could be a  highly volatile relationship with misunderstanding and resentment on both sides. Dallas will reject her mother’s intrusion. Taylor will be incensed that her child doesn’t conform and appreciate her efforts. This is a controlling parent/rebellious child pairing. It could have disastrous results.

TAYLOR/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Taylor is the perfect parent in that regard. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. This will annoy Taylor who will insist she stick with things. Hadley wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. She shuts down in the face of criticism and everything is criticism, especially with Taylor. They could have a low conflict relationship. However, if Hadley doesn't live up to Taylor's expectations. Hadley is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. If Hadley is influenced by friends to do things Taylor doesn’t approve of, Taylor will come down hard on her. In her attempts to control and keep Hadley close, she will likely push her further and further away. 

TAYLOR/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Taylor will provide her with what she needs. However, Shelby won’t enjoy being dressed up and forced to be on display. Taylor will be embarrassed if Shelby resists. Taylor is proud of this well-behaved child. She will be eager to show off. Shelby prefers playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. Shelby is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. Shelby hates teams and groups and is highly sensitive to criticism. She can be a loner. Taylor will attempt to drag Shelby out of her shell, to get her to be active and more social. Taylor may become too forceful in her preferences. The more Taylor pushes, the more Shelby retreats, turning her pain inward. It could be a lifetime of unmet needs for both of them.

TAYLOR/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. He asks permission but finds a way around it if told “no.” He grows bored when options are limited. Joss is a major challenge for Taylor. He will prove an exhausting child. He won’t conform. Joss takes things apart to see how they work, but doesn’t tell anyone what he learns. Taylor won’t appreciate finding their toaster disassembled. She will take it as a personal affront. She will deem him destructive. Joss gets lost in his hobbies. He is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. He gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. This will embarrass and enrage Taylor. Why can’t he just do as he is told? The more Taylor attempts to make Joss conform, the more he pulls away from her. The more Joss acts out, the more Taylor attempts to rein him in. They are nearly polar opposites. Joss is not likely to appreciate Taylor’s smothering and controlling behavior. Taylor won’t appreciate Joss's independence, especially if it makes her look bad. They could very well become bitter enemies.

TAYLOR/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If Taylor expects a consistent schedule, she is out of luck. Kelly can't sit still and play alone. He craves attention and creates chaos to get it. He transplants easily. He won't abide by rules or conform. This makes him a nightmare for Taylor. Kelly collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand, not Taylor’s iron fist. Kelly can be self-destructive if thwarted. Kelly will embarrass her and she may make excuses for him to avoid blame or public censure. Kelly can charm her and get her to come around. He learns how to manipulate early. However, he will push it too far for forgiveness. Taylor won’t wish to enable Kelly, but will be at a loss as to how to manage him. Kelly has no desire to be managed. It could be a very dysfunctional relationship with heartbreak likely for Taylor.

TAYLOR/GREER

Greer is happy and easy going. He can’t handle chaos and needs routine and safety. Taylor will be happy to provide these things for this easy yet odd child. He prefers to play alone but likes to explore. Greer asks challenging questions, which will test her patience. Greer enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. Greer isn’t interested in being fussed over or the center of attention. Greer can't handle emotionally gooey parents. He needs space. Taylor has a problem with boundaries and can be smothering. When criticized, Greer doubts himself and takes criticism hard. As Taylor attempts to fit Greer into her mold, he will become depressed and retreat further into his imaginary world. Greer will never be the model child Taylor likes to show off. He is likely to develop ideas and beliefs contrary to hers. Taylor will be disappointed in him and he will feel rejected by her. It can lead to a lifetime of misunderstanding.

TAYLOR/TAYLOR

Child Taylor needs peace and calm. Parent Taylor provides a loving stable nest. Child Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. Together they have a mutually satisfying relationship. Child Taylor takes charge of the playroom and siblings. Parent Taylor will see her child as her mini-me. Child Taylor is hurt if she senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. She overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. They are so similar, Parent Taylor should understand this child. If she doesn’t, vying for control could become contentious. Taylor can be overprotective and over-involved and Child Taylor could feel suffocated. Taylor can become overly enmeshed in her children’s life. Child Taylor wants to please and since both can have fuzzy boundaries, the situation could grow toxic. It may be hard to know when one ends and the other begins.

TAYLOR/CAM

Cam is a quiet, low maintenance child. He won’t ask for anything, even for what he needs. He is good because it’s important to be good not to please others. He expects everyone else to be good too: caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends. Taylor provides the loving, nurturing home he needs. Cam spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. His questioning of authority and probing questions make Taylor squirm. It is important to her for him to conform. Cam is self-regulating and responsible. In that regard, Taylor will be proud of him. Cam won’t cause her problems at school or in the community with bad behavior. However, Cam develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. This is an area where Taylor and Cam have conflict. The more Taylor attempts to control Cam, the more he withdraws to protect. Cam’s choices and belief could embarrass Taylor. She will be enraged by his questioning. She is very sure of her opinions. She takes challenges as personal insults. If they fall on opposite sides of a belief system, their relationship will be strained. The more Taylor attempts to manipulate and control him, the further Cam drifts.

TAYLOR/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. Morgan has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. Morgan will frustrate Taylor. The more she attempts to restrain him, the more Morgan acts out. Morgan is outgoing. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. Morgan likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. Taylor will admire his intelligence and ingenuity. Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way. Taylor will find Morgan a mixed blessing. On one hand, he will challenge her. On the other hand his accomplishments may make her look good. Morgan doesn't do group activities and will not want to engage in his mother's parties and attempts to show him off. He can be a clown and will try to charm Taylor out of being angry. This relationship could go either way. They could muddle along without a serious rift. If Taylor becomes too interfering and controlling, Morgan could turn on her and would have no problem leaving her behind.

TAYLOR/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. She proves exhausting to the most attentive caregiver. She knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. Taylor will find her difficult. If Taylor has different plans and goals for Lee, she will be met with stubborn resistance. Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but Taylor may take it personally. Lee is a leader on the playground and becomes the enemy of anyone who doesn’t follow along. She is the quintessential queen bee. Taylor will admire Lee on one hand but be furious that she can't control her. Lee wants to be in charge of herself and her environment. She has a very dominant personality. She won't show Taylor the deference she thinks she deserves. The further Lee moves from Taylor’s beliefs and expectations, the greater the conflict. Lee won’t care about approval. She will easily leave Taylor behind. This will crush Taylor. Didn’t she sacrifice everything? Give everything? How can Lee be so ungrateful?

TAYLOR/RIVER

River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. She needs peace and quiet to thrive and Taylor provides this. River will blossom under Taylor’s personal attention and dedication. River lives in a dream world most of the time. Taylor will have to drag her kicking and screaming to play groups or to the playground. This will frustrate Taylor. This is her good child. Why won’t she cooperate? River has one or two friends. Her emotional skin is thin. She sees the world as treacherous and trust is vital. The more Taylor attempts to manipulate her to do the things she expects, the more it hurts River. She takes Taylor's pressure as criticism. River hates violence and discord. She needs peace and continuity. River wants to please Taylor. She will blame herself when she fails. This dynamic could become highly dysfunctional if River's self-esteem plummets. If  River is attracted to the mystical, perhaps paranormal, it will feel like aberrant behavior to Taylor. It will take a lot for River to break free of Taylor’s control.

Next week, we introduce CAM.

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