Strong-willed children are often painted as stubborn and hard to please. Many parents don’t know how to handle such a domineering personality type.
Always one to challenge the status-quo, strong-willed children are often seen as pushing past every boundary with sheer force.
But while raising a strong-willed child has many challenges, if done right you may just realize the incredible opportunity to raise a future leader who can truly change the world.
Strong-willed children are resilient and they often grow up to be innovators and leaders in the workforce.
Not afraid to take on a challenge, they crush through perceived social limitations and pave the way for their peers to follow.
But in order to set up your strong-willed child for success, you’ll need to teach them critical skills to manage their “larger than life” personality.
If not checked at an early age, they’ll be seen as difficult to work with or bossy, which will limit their ability to be successful later in life.
It can be tough raising a strong-willed child, but with these few tips you’ll be able hone and strengthen their gifts.
The trick to raising strong-willed children is setting the proper dynamic early on while their young.
While most children don’t like being told what to do, strong-willed children loathe it.
If they feel their integrity or judgment is being questioned, they’ll often rebel just to prove a point.
You are still the parent and in charge, but there is a way to get your child to do what needs to get done, without causing a scene.
By giving your child choices (just be sure you’re ok with either choice), you are teaching your child to be independent, but with guidelines.
It’s essential while raising a strong-willed child to create a culture of trust. If your child trusts you, they’ll know you have their best interest at heart.
Since they trust you, when you set a rule or boundary, while they might not like it, they’ll respect you enough to know it’s for their own good.
Strong-willed children need to experience life for themselves.
Sometimes it’s better to choose your battles, and as long as your child isn’t in any serious danger, allow them to experience life firsthand and learn as they go.
You can also use the experience to teach them there are consequences to each decision, and show them how to make wise choices.
The most important tip while raising a strong-willed child is to avoid the power struggle.
If you find yourself going toe-to-toe with your child, you’ve already lost the battle.
Strong-willed children love to test boundaries, but knowing this ahead of time can allow you to remain calm, and not lose your cool when your child tests your limits, which they will.
Whenever possible, strive to have a win/win outcome.
A forceful parenting “Because I told you so, that’s why” style will only drive your child to rebel even further.
However, while your child may be strong-willed, they still need a parent who disciplines them with love, and teaches them they can’t always get everything they want.
The trick is to harness their energy towards pursuing their passions, while helping them to cultivate and grow their interests.
Raising a strong-willed child can be tough, but the rewards far exceed its challenges.
Do you have a strong-willed child?
What are some tactics you’ve implemented in your household that have helped you manage your strong-willed child?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.