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Attempts to lie or hide information in somewhat believable ways

Uses humour and watches others’ reactions

Compares self with peers (speed, approval, ability, authority differences)

Negotiates or bargains in everyday situations

Adjusts behaviour with different adults or peer groups

Attempts to influence, persuade or recruit others

Notices fairness, hierarchy or unwritten social rules

Tries to “save face” socially after mistakes

Reads emotional tone and timing before speaking or acting

Attempts relational repair using apology, humour or reasoning

Plans ways to delay, modify or avoid difficult tasks

Anticipates possible consequences before acting

Maintains consistency in explanations or stories

Switches strategies when one approach fails

Breaks tasks into smaller attempts (even informally)

Adjusts effort depending on perceived difficulty

Tests limits repeatedly to understand rule stability

Recalls past outcomes and modifies behaviour

Appears distracted but tracks key environmental information

Attempts to organise time, order or sequence independently

Uses humour or deflection to manage anxiety or embarrassment

Avoids tasks or situations that threaten self-esteem

Shows awareness of how behaviour affects relationships

Attempts to protect personal image or social standing

Monitors adult reactions subtly for reassurance

Demonstrates small but noticeable frustration tolerance

Experiences pride, shame or comparison-based emotions

Takes social risks (tries again after failure or rejection)

 Balances need for approval with (emerging) independence

Questions rules, expectations or perceived unfairness

Finds loopholes or alternative interpretations

 Creates narratives, exaggerations or imaginative explanations

Generates spontaneous solutions in unfamiliar situations

Notices patterns in adult behaviour or consequences

Uses comparison to guide decision-making

Predicts outcomes based on prior experiences

Engages in symbolic play, abstract humour or conceptual jokes

Tries multiple approaches to achieve the same goal

Shows curiosity about cause–effect beyond academic tasks/ work