The Complainer

Behavior: Specific attitudes and actions of this child at home and/or at school.

• Whines and cries about situations-as well as about what he/she has to do. Acts as if he/she has a persecution complex.
  
  
• Usually lazy.
  
  
• Doesn't have materials or assignments, but always has excuses.
  
  
• Because of lack of self-motivation, uses complaining as a form of rationalization.
  
  
• Repeatedly points out the errors and weaknesses of others in an attempt to get out of doing things and bolster his/her own ego.
  
  
• Seeks attention with comments such as "I never get to go first," or "I don't see why I have to do it; nobody else does."
  
  
• Acts as if he/she is the only one who does anything-but, in reality, does very little except complain.
  
  
• Often seems to be very bored.
  
  
• Argumentative and questioning about decisions, rules, deadlines, etc.
  
  
• Shows irritability the minute an excuse doesn't work.
  
  
• Does just enough to get by as far as class work and assignments are concerned.
  
  
• Generally speaking, has a poor self-concept, and is not held in high esteem by peers.
  
  
• Seeks attention by complaining.
  
  
• May use standard responses, such as "Oh, man," "I never get a break," or "You're on me all the time."