The book that helps parents match the child care to the child Most children fall into five basic personality types that stem from inborn physical characteristics: the sensitive child, the self-absorbed child, the defiant child, the inattentive child, and the active/aggressive child. For each of these, there are parenting patterns to avoid and those that help the most. The Challenging Child reassures parents that they do not simply have to "live with" their child's temperament but can fit their parenting style to their child's unique personality and help each child build on strengths, master weaknesses, and embrace life with confidence and skills.