Thanks for reminding me about Dr. Sears' articles. His words were a big comfort to me too when DD's were babies. They should give new mothers copies of WHAT HIGH NEED MEANS - A STORY ABOUT OUR HIGH NEED BABY.

Now that we're a few years down the road, this article rang true. It tied into the mantra that got us through the baby years... "A strong will should serve her well as an adult."

CHANGING PERSONALITY PROFILE AS HIGH NEED CHILD GROWS
THE CHANGING PERSONALITY PROFILE OF THE HIGH NEED CHILD

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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
alert
intense
draining
demanding
cries impressively
loud
unconsolable
supersensitive
high-touch

TODDLER-CHILD
busy
high-strung
exhausting
spunky
energetic
stubborn
impatient
strong-willed
obstinate
discerning
challenging
expressive
tantrum-prone
interesting
tender
huggable

TEEN-ADULT
enthusiastic
deep
passionate
resourceful
dominating
opinionated
determined
persistent
insightful
fair
sociable
compassionate
empathetic
caring
affectionate