As a parent, you have probably heard the term "strong-willed child" before. Perhaps you even wondered if your own kid fits that description.
You may be asking yourself: what does it mean to be strong-willed? How can I tell if my child is strong-willed?
Some children might be stubborn; some may have a high level of self-control and perseverance, while others might not know when to stop.
There's no way to tell which type your child is just by looking at them, so how can you tell if they're strong-willed?
Here are some characteristics:
1. They want to do things their way.
Strong-willed children are determined, and they'll do whatever is necessary in order to accomplish their goals. They don't like to follow the crowd and often think for themselves.
2. They're persistent and tenacious.
When strong-willed kids set their minds on something, they will see it through until the end. It may take a while before the child gives up the fight, but eventually, most children with this trait move on and look for new ways to achieve their goals when one method fails or isn't working properly.
3. They're rigid in their own values and beliefs.
When faced with new information that contradicts their current point of view, strong-willed kids will likely keep an open mind. However, if the new information goes against something they firmly believe in or feel comfortable with, they'll shut down and block the new idea from entering their mind altogether. A good way to test this is to share something with your child that you know goes against their current belief system.
4. They love being around other strong-willed children.
Strong-willed children tend to gravitate towards each other and choose playmates who share this same trait. They understand each other and don't try to change the other person.
5. They value their independence.
Strong-willed children enjoy making their own decision and doing things on their own terms. They dislike having someone else make choices for them. Teaching your child self-sufficiency will help him develop this trait even more and appreciate the time you spend working together as a family.
6. They speak with confidence (even when they're scared).
Do you know those videos of kids giving big speeches in front of large audiences? Well, those children almost always have some strong-willed tendencies. Even though they may be nervous inside, they aren't afraid to express their opinions.
7. They learn from mistakes and try not to make them again.
Although strong-willed kids can be stubborn, they're good at learning from their mistakes. When they make a bad decision, they use the experience to grow and make better choices in the future.
There's no denying that strong-willed children are hard to handle at times. But there are ways to manage them so they learn how to behave without losing themselves in the process.
Just be patient and understanding and always keep the bigger picture in mind.
Overall, strong-willed children are simply that: children. They're still learning about the world and how it works, so they'll require assistance in order to learn more effectively.
Don't get disheartened if your child doesn't see things your way. You can teach them what's right through patience, encouragement, and most importantly, good examples.
I'll be giving out a free advance reader copy of my new book about strong-willed children soon. So, make sure you're on the lookout for it.