The words you use to describe your high-need child will change over the years, as the traits that so exhausted you during infancy are channeled into qualities that will make your child an interesting, dynamic adult. Try to think of your child's personality in a positive light and look ahead. Labels that seem like negatives will be positive traits in your child's future personality.

INFANT	TODDLER-CHILD	TEEN-ADULT
alert intense draining demanding cries impressively loud unconsolable supersensitive high-touch	busy high-strung exhausting spunky energetic stubborn impatient strong-willed obstinate discerning challenging expressive tantrum-prone interesting tender huggable	enthusiastic deep passionate resourceful dominating opinionated determined persistent insightful fair sociable compassionate empathetic caring affectionate