Children whose temperaments are high-maintenance are emotionally reactive, which means they usually react strongly and negatively to stress or change. They often seem moody. They are low in task persistence and have difficulty finishing tasks. They also demonstrate high levels of movement and wiggle frequently.
Gregory
Gretchen
Gregory the Grumpy
Hey, I’m Gregory and you’ve caught me having a bad day. Actually, I seem to have a lot of bad days. Things just don’t go the way I’d like. At school, my teacher keeps telling me to sit and finish my work. Well, maybe I would if she came up with more fun things to do. School is so boring!
More about Gregory
Gregory’s temperament is high-maintenance. He reacts strongly and negatively to change or stress because his temperament is high in negative reactivity. Gregory often has problems finishing assignments because he is low in task persistence. He is high in motor activity so he wiggles constantly.
On the positive side, Gregory is honest. He can be an effective leader because he is comfortable making decisions and expressing his opinions—even when others disagree.
Gretchen the Grumpy
I’m Gretchen and the first thing you should know about me is I have definite opinions about a lot of things. It doesn’t take much to get me upset. School is annoying. My teacher often says to me “Gretchen, sit still and finish your work.” Well, I don’t like sitting still and school work is boring.
More about Gretchen
Gretchen’s temperament is high-maintenance. She reacts strongly and negatively to change or stress because her temperament is high in negative reactivity. Gretchen often has problems finishing assignments because she is low in task persistence. She is also high in motor activity and moves around constantly.
On the positive side, Gretchen is honest. Her friends think she’s funny. Gretchen doesn’t hesitate to express her opinions–even when others disagree.
High-Maintenance
Children whose temperaments are high-maintenance are emotionally reactive, which means they usually react strongly and negatively to stress or change. They often seem moody. They are low in task persistence and have difficulty finishing tasks. They also demonstrate high levels of movement and wiggle frequently.
Industrious
Industrious children demonstrate both high task persistence and low motor activity, which enables them to get things done. They take pleasure in their accomplishments. They are also low in negative reactivity, which means they are pleasant most of the time.
Shy & Cautious
Children with cautious and shy temperaments are often shy and slow to warm up. They are low in approach, which means their first reaction is to withdraw from new or stressful situations. They also demonstrate high negative reactivity and will let you know when they are not pleased with a situation.
Social & Eager to Try
Social children are eager to meet new people. They are high in approach, often driven by a need to be with people and to try new experiences. Their temperaments are low in negative reactivity and withdrawal, which means they are usually pleasant most of the time.