Four Steps

The Complainer

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

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Alibier
•	The Crier (Who Claims Foul)
•	The Excuse/Alibi Maker
•	The Griper
•	The Loudmouth
•	The Objector
•	The Questioner
•	The Vindictive

Recently Viewed Behaviors

1.	The Complainer

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 Complainer

Mistakes: What common discipline mistakes of parents may make the problem behavior worse?

1. Becoming thoroughly disgusted and showing your disgust.
   
   
2. Failing to deal individually with this child.
   
   
3. Ignoring all requests—and calling them complaints.
   
   
4. Being sarcastic.
   
   
5. Becoming defensive and getting involved in arguments with your child.
   
   
6. Giving unequal treatment and unequal responses to this child.
   
   
7. Rejecting the validity of all criticism.
   
   
8. Siding with other children against the complainer.
   
   
9. Using threats or negative reinforcements.
   
   
10. Constantly changing your mind to accommodate this child.
    
    
11. Assuming ownership of your child's problem.
    
    

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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.