Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying.

Learning from mistakes is a part of growing up, and Greg constantly struggles to correct his behavior after each new mistake that he makes. While Greg does occasionally learn to alter his approach, he is often guilty of committing the same errors over and over again. Greg knows this about himself, and he is also aware that he struggles to conform to societal expectations. For this reason, Christmas is a particularly stressful time for him. Greg is under constant surveillance and knows that his actions are being judged by at least his parents (and possibly by Santa as well). He therefore loses sleep over his worries that Manny will receive more presents than he did on Christmas morning. Being punished is a regular source of anxiety for Greg because he is so used to making the wrong decision.

At different points in time, Greg’s parents lecture him and comment on his lack of judgment and poor understanding of the value of hard work. Although they urge him to stand up for himself when confronted with bullies or other problems, Greg’s many anecdotes show that he would prefer to be sneaky and passive-aggressive than to take action that might lead to real conflict.