Four Steps

The Authority Pusher

I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
IV.	Mistakes

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Bully
•	The Hater
•	The Influencer
•	The Know-It-All
•	The Overly Aggressive

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1.	The Authority Pusher
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5.	The Fun Seeker
6.	The Know-It-All
7.	The Foulmouth
8.	The Disorganized
9.	The Hyperactive
10.	The Irresponsible

Instructions

Learn more about using this resource:

Introduction
I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
	Primary Causes of Misbehavior
	Primary Needs Being Revealed
	Secondary Needs Being Revealed
	Methods, Procedures, and Techniques
IV.	Mistakes

Behavior Information

The Authority Pusher

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

1. Dislikes rules.
   
   
2. Sees no need to have anyone tell him or her what to do or how to do it.
   
   
3. Tests or questions parent and teacher authority.
   
   
4. Tends to make every issue a public one.
   
   
5. Will openly argue against any request from the person in authority. Does so in a superior or attacking way.
   
   
6. Challenges all incidents, big and small, with equal intensity.
   
   
7. Causes turmoil in the classroom over the most minor issues.
   
   
8. Will base his or her whole case on the adult's reaction rather than on the issue at hand.
   
   
9. May act belligerently but, unlike the defier, will bend. Keeps pushing with any technique that works, but will change the technique—and usually stops when he or she gets into real trouble.
   
   
10. Talks a better game than he or she plays—especially if given responsibility. With proper guidance, this child can become an outstanding leader.
    
    

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Please Note

We are labeling behaviors, not children!

For the sake of convenience, we will describe behaviors with terms such as The Whiner or The Interrupter.

Never use such labels when talking to—or about—children!

Doing so could cause many new problems and seriously damage the parent-child relationship.

Seek professional assistance!

Many behaviors--or changes in behavior--can signal an underlying emotional or mental health issue.

Don't hesitate to contact your child's school social worker, counselor, or doctor for any concerns you may have.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact us.

In the event that you have questions regarding how to handle a specific child's behavior, please seek professional assistance.