Which combination of traits describes the 6-year-old child as reported by the mother?

• A. Highly active, irregular in habits, and adapts slowly to new routines.
• B. Calm, regular in routines, and adapts quickly.
• C. Quiet, compliant, and enthusiastic about changes.
• D. Lethargic, predictable, and dislikes movement.

Answer: (A)

Temperament is how a child typically reacts to the world—level of activity, regularity of routines, and ease of adapting to changes. The description of a 6-year-old who is highly active, has irregular habits, and adapts slowly to new routines fits the difficult temperament pattern. This pattern shows energetic or intense activity, a tendency toward unpredictability in routines, and a slower adjustment to changes or new environments. In practice, a child like this benefits from consistent, predictable routines and advance notice before transitions, with gradual exposure to new experiences and plenty of reassurance.

The other descriptions reflect different temperament styles: calm, regular, and quick to adapt aligns with an easy temperament; quiet and compliant with enthusiasm for changes suggests someone who handles novelty more readily or with less resistance; lethargic and dislikes movement does not fit the typical profile of a highly active child and would point to other concerns beyond temperament.