Researchers Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas identified nine innate temperamental characteristics.

They did so by following a large group of children from birth into adulthood. While they conducted this research some years ago, it remains valid and is important for parents of every generation to know. Their research confirmed what parents have always known: Children are born with personality traits that follow them through life. Use the examples of Little Mutt and Baby Jeff to determine your child's temperament. Realize these examples are severe — your child's personality probably falls somewhere between Mutt and Jeff.

Activity level: Baby Jeff was born a couch potato. He'd sit in his infant seat for the longest time enjoying the sights of the kitchen. Little Mutt squirmed so much his parents knew not to leave him in a bouncy seat for fear he'd topple over.

Persistence: When preschool-age, Little Mutt will demand a Spider-Man action figure. If put off, he'll beg until his parents relent. Jeff will want one, too, but can wait until his birthday. Since Jeff is not so persistent, he's simply easier to live with.

Approach and withdrawal in a new situation: Going for the first time to a friend's birthday party will probably be traumatic for Little Mutt. He'll stay glued to your leg for the first 45 minutes. Once Mutt warms up, however, he'll be the beau of the ball and then scream when it's time to leave.

Jeff will have no problem because he warms up easily in new situations. He'll play the games, enjoy the treats and make friends. You can take him anywhere and he's comfortable.

Regularity: Baby Jeff was born on a schedule. You know when he'll eat, sleep, cry and play. Not Little Mutt. He's never been on a schedule. With him, it's always a guessing game.

Quality of mood: Baby Jeff is happy most of the time. He exuded a positive attitude right from the start. Give him a new toy and he's eager to try it out with smiles and giggles.

Little Mutt appears negative. When seeing a new toy he looks questioningly at it. It seems he's wondering: What's it for? How do I use it? Will it scare me? Should I touch it?

Distractibility: Little Mutt flits from one toy, person or activity to another. As a preschooler he'll start playing with a puzzle and then he'll see the Lego box and dump it. Then he'll notice you making pancakes and want to help. Baby Jeff looks at one toy and then plays with it for the longest time. As a toddler, Jeff will likely watch Jack jump out of his box 17 times in a row.

Adaptability: If you move into a new house, Baby Mutt will worry, fuss and cling. Little Jeff will eagerly investigate the new environment. Baby Jeff is adaptable, Little Mutt isn't. This is the case when moving into a new home, starting school and anticipating a holiday. All these events throw Mutt into a whirlwind. Jeff just seems to roll with whatever change comes his way.

Intensity: When Little Mutt is sad, he is sorrowful. When he's mad, he's really mad. He's never just happy, he's ecstatic. Whichever emotion, he carries on for the longest time. Jeff is just the opposite. In fact, you might describe him as mellow. He feels the same emotions as Little Mutt but with much less intensity.

Level of sensitivity: Bright lights and loud noises turn Little Mutt on like an aid car rushing to the scene of an accident. He becomes active and stimulated to meet the excitement of the scene. Jeff is interested in his environment but isn't controlled by it. He is less sensitive and reactive to what's going on around him.

Is your child more like Little Mutt or Baby Jeff?

However your child fits in the spectrum, one thing's for sure: To force a child to change is impossible. Attempting to do so accentuates the personality trait. Through acceptance, temperamental characteristics even out.

For more information, read "Temperament: Theory and Practice," by Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas (Brunner/Mazel, 1996).

Jan Faull, a specialist in child development and behavior, answers questions of general interest in her column. You can e-mail her at janfaull@aol.com or write to: Jan Faull, c/o Families, The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. More columns at www.seattletimes.com/columnists