Parenting Advice: Simple Advice For Parenting Strong Willed Children

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Parenting Advice: Simple Advice For Parenting Strong Willed Children - By: Sandra Clair, Posted on: 2007-05-02

A strong willed child presents a set of challenges that can seem overwhelming at times. Embarrassing moments can easily surface as the child demands to get his or her way, particularly while in public where you feel as if your hands are tied. But, there are things you can you do to eliminate these embarrassing moments and to convince your child to do as you ask.

Parenting Advice for Strong Willed Children #1: Don't Back Down

Perhaps the most important and difficult to follow through with piece of parenting advice for parents of strong willed children is to never back down. If your child demands something from you, such as a piece of candy at the checkout lane in the grocery store, you need to say no and stick with it. Your child must learn that no means no and that, no matter how much he cries and screams, you are not going to change your answer.

You will find that this bit of parenting device is quite difficult to follow through with because the temper tantrum your strong willed child throws is sure to draw attention. But, if you back down, you are only feeding into the problem. In essence, you are teaching your child that crying and screaming is going to get him or her what he wants. Therefore, the next time your child wants something, he or she will simply throw another tantrum.

Telling your child no and following through with it will be difficult. But, over time, your child will learn that crying and screaming does not get him or her what he wants. As a result, the tantrums will lessen and you will face less embarrassing moments.

Parenting Advice for Strong Willed Children #2: Reinforce Positive Behavior

When you tell your child no and he or she accepts it without crying or when you ask your child to do something and he or she complies, be sure to reinforce that behavior. For example, if you deny your child a candy bar at the checkout lane and he or she accepts that without crying, go ahead and reward him later with something he enjoys. But, be sure to tell your child that you are rewarding him because he didn't cry and scream and that you appreciate the great behavior.

Similarly, if your child does what you ask him to do without complaint, be sure to tell your child that you appreciate the wonderful behavior and reward your child with a kiss, a hug, or a special treat. Soon, your child will find that positive behavior yields positive results.

Parenting Advice for Strong Willed Children #3: See the Positive Side

Although raising a strong willed child can be difficult, try to see the bright side of things. A strong willed child is likely to grow into a strong willed teenager and adult. If you help your child learn to channel these energies in a positive direction, you can count on your child being able to rise above the influence of his or her peers. After all, strong willed children tend to be their own people and are not so concerned about going with the crowd. So, use this parenting advice to encourage your child's independence while simultaneously teaching him or her to respect boundaries and you will be likely to raise a very successful adult.

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