Next, rate your child on the seven traits from Thomas and Chess (leaving out “sensory threshold” because it is the same as sensitivity and you have already measured that in a better way, and leaving out “predominate mood” for the reasons given earlier in the chapter). You can look back at pages 22–24 if you have forgotten to what these traits refer.
1 Activity or energy level: Low Medium High
2 Intensity of emotional response: Low Medium High
3 Rhythmicity: Low Medium High
4 Adaptability: Low Medium High
5 Initial reaction: Approaches Variable Draws back
6 Persistence (attention span): Low Medium High
7 Distractibility (easily shifts attention to a new stimuli): Low Medium High
Now, check off what you regard as your child’s other strengths:
Artistic ability
Scientific ability
Skill at mental games
Athletic ability
Patience
Empathy
Conscientiousness
Great sense of humor
Spiritual interests
Intelligence
Kindness
Concern for social justice
Others _______________________________________________________
Your child’s problem areas (in your opinion). Some examples might be:
Trouble with coordination or playing sports
Shyness, often afraid of being rejected
Negative mood or behavior
Stubbornness
Rudeness, selfishness, lack of consideration
“Too good”
Not able to make “small talk”
Spends too much time at computer or ____________
Anger
Too noisy, boisterous
Rejected by others for being aggressive
Rejected by others for being too passive
Slow learner
Learning disability
Attention deficit disorder
Others _______________________________________________________
Would the above problem areas be a problem for any parent, or are they things that particularly bother you? (Could you imagine this problem being “no problem” in another family?)
Major events can shape your child’s life; beside each that applies, write what you think has been the effect:
Move
Divorce
Illness
Death in family
Death of a close friend, including beloved pet
Illness in family, mental or physical
Past abuse, physical or sexual
Persistent poverty
Prejudice