7 truths about raising a strong willed child

Children are funny little things and I think we can all agree that no two children are the same. All kids are different and some will be laid back and easy going while others will be strong-willed and stubborn. 

Children are funny little things and I think we can all agree that no two children are the same. All kids are different and some will be laid back and easy going while others will be strong-willed and stubborn. Having a strong-willed child isn’t for the faint-hearted and they will test a parent’s nerves at times however it isn’t all bad I think?! Here are some truths about raising a strong-willed child and a few little tips too! 
  • There is no such thing as a quick answer - Strong-willed children demand facts and statistics and there is little chance you can fob them off when they come knocking for information! During the day, this isn’t too bad (Sure aren’t they using their brains!) but at bedtime it sucks! You will just want the nipper tucked up in bed and not talking about why Donald Trump is president. 
  • You will be judged - People love to judge each other and if anyone observes your strong-willed child in full strength they will blame you as the parent! It isn’t fair nor is it justified but it is something a parent of a strong-willed child must get used to, unfortunately. 
  • There will be arguments and squabbles - Arguments (however much you try not to) will arise from time to time as you struggle to keep your child in check. Your little one will literally argue over anything and will complain about everything! 
  • You will blame your partner’s genes who in turn will blame yours -As your child flexes their independence and stubborn muscles it is only natural that you will blame your partner while your partner will blame you! This will be a subject you will discuss for many years ahead and you will laugh about it in the future hopefully! 
  • There will be a need for a strong parent - Against a strong-willed child, either you or your partner will need to be strong and resist the urge to back down to your child’s every demand. It will take a lot as while an easy-going kid will stop crying after five minutes once they realise you aren’t changing your mind a strong-willed child will continue for up to an hour or longer! Making it oh so easy to just let your kiddie do as he wants to avoid the hassle; Big Mistake! 
  • Your child will be unhappy at times - It isn’t that your child is actually unhappy but because your strong-willed child will not get as they want when they want they will be moody or sad at times. It doesn’t mean you can let it go and do everything to please them as that just isn’t possible. 
  • The future is bright for your kiddie - Aside from driving you mad now and again, your strong-willed child should make a success of themselves in the future. Usually, these kiddies are ambitious, driven and motivated, they love nothing more than debate and discussion and will fight tooth and nail for what they believe in. Future Leaders right there!  
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

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