Four Steps

The Smart Aleck

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

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Class Clown
•	The Defier
•	The Distracter
•	The Loudmouth
•	The Show-Off
•	The Smartmouth

Recently Viewed Behaviors

1.	The Smart Aleck
2.	The Complainer
3.	The Know-It-All
4.	The Arrogant
5.	The Whiner
6.	The Smartmouth
7.	The Blurter
8.	The Spoiled Darling

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 Smart Aleck

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

1. Makes "funny" comments that actually go far beyond humor. And the cutting effect is intentional.
   
   
2. Often rude, and usually disrespectful. Different from the smartmouth--the smart aleck's misbehavior includes both words and actions.
   
   
3. Has been overindulged by adults.
   
   
4. Tries to act superior to others.
   
   
5. Attempts to cover an inferiority complex with this type of behavior.
   
   
6. Denies, and hides from facing, the feeling of inferiority. Is fooling himself or herself—and possibly others.
   
   
7. Whenever this child is wrong, he or she starts talking about being mistreated.
   
   
8. Thrives on getting a reaction from others.
   
   
9. Seldom says nice things about others.
   
   
10. "Zaps" others as soon as they let their guard down.
    
    
11. Has few positive relationships with adults.
    
    

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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.

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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.