Which of the following would NOT be typical behavior of a child with a difficult temperament?

Which of the following would NOT be typical behavior of a child with a difficult temperament?

• A. Consistent, predictable routines.
• B. Frequent crying.
• C. Violent tantrums.
• D. Negative withdrawal responses.

Answer: (A)

A child with a difficult temperament tends to show irregular schedules, high reactivity, and intense emotional responses. Consistent, predictable routines are more typical of an easy or adaptable temperament, not difficult. So that behavior would not be typical of a child with a difficult temperament. By contrast, frequent crying, violent tantrums, and negative withdrawal responses align with the struggles this temperament often brings—heightened sensitivity to changes, strong emotional reactions, and resistance to new situations. In clinical care, recognizing these patterns helps guide how to support the child, such as using predictable routines as a soothing strategy rather than seeing routine regularity as a characteristic of the temperament itself.

A child with a difficult temperament tends to show irregular schedules, high reactivity, and intense emotional responses. Consistent, predictable routines are more typical of an easy or adaptable temperament, not difficult. So that behavior would not be typical of a child with a difficult temperament. By contrast, frequent crying, violent tantrums, and negative withdrawal responses align with the struggles this temperament often brings—heightened sensitivity to changes, strong emotional reactions, and resistance to new situations. In clinical care, recognizing these patterns helps guide how to support the child, such as using predictable routines as a soothing strategy rather than seeing routine regularity as a characteristic of the temperament itself.