The Authority Pusher

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

• Dislikes rules.
  
  
• Sees no need to have anyone tell him or her what to do or how to do it.
  
  
• Tests or questions parent and teacher authority.
  
  
• Tends to make every issue a public one.
  
  
• Will openly argue against any request from the person in authority. Does so in a superior or attacking way.
  
  
• Challenges all incidents, big and small, with equal intensity.
  
  
• Causes turmoil in the classroom over the most minor issues.
  
  
• Will base his or her whole case on the adult's reaction rather than on the issue at hand.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Talks a better game than he or she plays—especially if given responsibility. With proper guidance, this child can become an outstanding leader.