If you are parenting a strong-willed child, you are in luck!
It is true that raising strong-willed children can become challenging, especially in their younger years, but if treated with love and care, your strong-willed child can grow into a wonderful, self-motivated adult.
The first step to parenting a strong-willed child is understanding that there will be times that you feel exhausted and defeated but once you figure out what works, that will all pass.
TIPS FOR RAISING YOUR STRONG-WILLED CHILD
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There are so many positives to raising a child with a seemingly iron-clad will. Youngsters that start off with such determination are typically natural born leaders and if they use their “powers for good instead of evil” then they will go on to change the world for the better.
Your job as their parent is to make sure that they know right from wrong and how to use their determination in a positive way.
AVOID A BATTLE OF WILLS
You never want to break your child’s spirit. Chances are, if you win a battle you have decided to engage in, you will chip away at their will.
On the other hand, if you lose the battle and give in you are teaching your children that they can walk all over authority figures.
Remember that it is not your job to enforce the fact that you are the boss using force, but to redirect his or her will towards a positive outcome at the same time as following the basic house rules.
MAKE RULES CLEAR AND EASY TO FOLLOW
Sit down as a family and write clear and concise house rules for your child to follow.
Remember not to get too picky and write out an entire essay. 1 rule per year of age should be enough. Post these rules somewhere that is easy for your child to see, like on the fridge.
It is a good idea to revisit the rules together at least once a day, reminding your child that there are rules to follow.
BE AS LOVING AS POSSIBLE
It can be frustrating to parent a strong-willed child, causing parents to forget that being gentle, tender and loving has positive effects. Parents need to remember that it is our job to teach our children by example, how to be loving themselves.
Make sure that even if you are frustrated, you find the time to give your child a hug and speak to them, really have a conversation in a gentle and loving tone.
TEACH RESPONSIBILITY FOR OTHERS
It is very common for strong-willed children to have selfish desires. It is a good idea to harness their iron-clad will and use it to help others.
Teach your child how to get involved with their community or a cause that is important to them. Start younger children off by giving them things that they are responsible for around the house, such as babysitting a younger sibling while you cook supper or setting the table.
It is very important that we teach our strong-willed youngsters that using their smarts and power to help others is a very positive thing.
Strong-willed children have the potential to go far in life, change the world or even run their own company. It is very important that we learn how to facilitate their strong will in a positive way!
For more inspiration, read these great books:
Parenting the Strong-Willed Child
Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child
You may also like this post on TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING YOUR TEENAGER:
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maria long
Monday 29th of January 2018
My middle child is just like this. We were just saying that he needs to volunteer this summer where he can learn some humility
Jody @ Mommy Moment
Tuesday 30th of January 2018
We have found volunteering to be such a good thing for our whole family.
Kristi
Monday 29th of January 2018
Ah the adventures of raising kids. If only they each came with their own manual right? You gave some great tips and suggestions though.
Lois Christensen
Monday 29th of January 2018
Oh I needed this post a few years when our daughter was a teenager. We used to joke that she should become a lawyer. Great tips!
Amy
Sunday 28th of January 2018
My middle child is very strong willed. She wants to do what she wants to do. I often feel at wits end with her!
Scott
Sunday 28th of January 2018
We have two strong-willed kids, and encourage it. So we pick our battles and they know that when we're serious about something, they need to be willing to compromise.