The Child Behavior Quiz

As parents, we always want to do what’s best for our children. We read parenting books and take the advice we’re given, but sometimes that's still not enough. The problem isn’t you, it’s that the best advice can fall short if it’s not tailored to you and your child. This can make you feel like you’re falling short. Many parenting techniques look at just the behavior and not the child, offering one-size-fits-all answers that address not your child but a generic version of them.

But we don’t have to fear challenging behaviors—we can learn so much about what a child needs from simply observing their behaviors from a new lens!

I’ve set out to help parents redirect their efforts from managing children’s behavior to understanding it in a new way. This quiz was created with that goal in mind.

Throughout this quiz, you will be given three options. Select the one that best represents your child's emotional response to different scenarios. Don't worry—this is not a test about your parenting skills or a diagnosis! This is purely a fun opportunity to think about your child's feelings, emotions and behaviors. I encourage you to take it as a parent or share with others who may be involved in your child’s life, like teachers. And if you have a toddler or younger child, simply answer the questions that are relevant to your child’s developmental age.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

1. WHEN THEY ARE TOLD THAT SCREEN TIME IS UP...

My child will often fall into a full-on mope.

It’s usually no problem—my child can shift their attention to something else.

My child may experience a meltdown.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

2. WHEN MY CHILD IS FACED WITH A CHALLENGE THEY CAN'T EASILY SOLVE...

They get a little frustrated at first, but usually end up persisting or asking for help to solve the challenge.

Duck and cover, because they just might throw something!

They may give up and stop trying or interacting.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

3. WHEN MY CHILD HAS A DISAGREEMENT WITH THEIR SIBLING(S) OR FRIENDS...

Let’s just say they often have trouble keeping their hands, feet and objects to themselves.

Instead of arguing, they tend to shut down or check out of the situation.

Happy Tom And Jerry GIF by Boomerang Official

They usually find a way to work things out.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

4. WHEN IT'S TIME TO LEAVE THE PARK, PLAYGROUND OR OTHER FUN ACTIVITY...

My child will seem crestfallen about it for hours.

I may have to carry my child out because they are so upset.

My child will express their feelings or disappointment, but it doesn’t usually throw them off for too long.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

5. WHEN IT'S DROP-OFF AT DAYCARE OR SCHOOL...

My child may ask not to go in, beg me to stay, cry or fuss, or cling to me because it’s so stressful.

My child may avoid greeting others and can become very quiet and shut down for more than an hour.

My child might hesitate to say good-bye, but the teachers report that after a while, they are usually calm, contented or all smiles and giggles, happy to play with their friends.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

6. WHEN IT'S "LIGHTS OUT" OR TIME TO FALL ASEEP...

My child is usually cooperative, engages in their bedtime routine and seems content to say goodnight, even if they’re not thrilled it’s already bedtime.

My child may become tense, fussy, begin to make multiple requests, want to move around, or cry.

My child is usually one step ahead, already in bed, quiet and even a little withdrawn.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

7. WHEN WE GO SOMEWHERE SUCH AS A RESTAURANT, FAMILY GATHERING, BIRTHDAY PARTY OR A RELIGIOUS VENUE...

There could be a scene, my child’s behaviors amp up, and anything could happen!

My child clams up, avoids eye contact and basically tries to blend in with the wallpaper to avoid interacting with others.

My child’s behaviors are generally predictable and they are easy going at family gatherings.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

8. WHEN THEY NEED TO TAKE A BATH, BRUSH TEETH, GET DRESSED, OR DO HOUSEHOLD CHORES OR TASKS...

My child may freeze, hold a position, or refuse to move.

My child tries to avoid certain everyday tasks and usually protests, whines, cries, or tries to get out of the task.

My child usually cooperates when asked to engage in everyday events like baths and brushing teeth.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

9. WHEN IT'S TIME FOR MY CHILD TO TRANSITION FROM SOMETHING THEY WANT TO DO TO SOMETHING I WANT THEM TO DO...

We’ll probably argue about it, and I might even have to chase them down.

I get an occasional “Do I have to?”, but they generally remain calm, relaxed and generally compliant with my requests.

They might pout, want to be alone, or shut down for a while.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

10. WHEN MY CHILD IS TOLD "NO" OR DOESN'T GET THEIR WAY...

They might be momentarily annoyed or upset, but usually recover soon and get on with the day.

They turn sad and glum—think “Eeyore” but gloomier.

A fiery meltdown or tantrum will likely ensue.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

11. WHEN MY CHILD IS FACED WITH SHARING A TOY WITH OTHERS...

Someone may get hit with it first!

They look dejected, like they just lost a puppy.

They’re eager to tell others about what makes the toy so cool and let them see for themselves.

Select the answer that best represents how your child usually responds to each of the following scenarios that are relevant to your child’s age and stage of development:

12. WHEN MY CHILD LOSES A GAME, OR IS FRUSTRATED OR OTHERWISE DISAPPOINTED IN THEIR PERFORMANCE...

While they express their disappointment initially, they usually manage to keep their spirits up overall and move on without much difficulty.

They often become agitated, and experience a level of upset that feels disproportionate to the situation.

They are likely to withdraw and fall into a state of melancholy.

ALL DONE!
Fill out the form below to get your results.

Stay up to date with Dr. Mona Delahooke

Our system experienced an error while submitting your answers. We apologize, please try again