The Agitator

Behavior: How exactly is my child behaving?

• Tries to cause trouble—and appears delighted with it.
  
  
• Gets others to do or say what he or she would not do or say.
  
  
• Brings up old controversies, cries "unfair," stirs up hostilities, and causes as much trouble as he or she can.
  
  
• Tries to appear to be an innocent bystander in any trouble he or she causes.
  
  
• May act upset, stir others to rebelliousness, then walk away from the group when the disturbance is about to take place.
  
  
• Usually gets other children in trouble more often than he or she gets in trouble. More often than not, does not get openly and publicly involved—but operates from the sidelines.
  
  
• Hits, pushes, and trips siblings when out of sight of parents—then says the brother or sister "started it" if problems result.
  
  
• Starts rumors to create turmoil.
  
  
• Plays other people against one another, including parent against parent, teacher against teacher, or child against other child.
  
  
• Often provokes physical confrontations between other people.
  
  
• Consistently immature and irresponsible.
  
  
• Tattletale.
  
  
• Seeks the attention of others.
  
  
• Appears to operate without loyalties, even to those regarded as friends.