Parenting is amazing but can be tricky, especially when your child is strong-willed. These kids are determined, independent, and know what they want. Luckily, researchers have looked into the best ways to handle this, giving us some helpful strategies.

Understanding Strong-Willed Children:

Before we get into the tips, it’s important to know a bit about strong-willed kids. There’s this idea about different parenting styles. The best one for these types of kids is called authoritative. It means being warm and supportive while also setting clear rules.

Research-Based Strategies:

1. Let Them Choose:
   • Researchers found that letting kids make choices helps them feel in control. This is a good way to handle strong-willed kids. Give them a couple of options so they can decide, but still within the rules.
2. Say Good Things:
   • Studies show that praising good behavior is better than punishing bad behavior. When your strong-willed child does something good, let them know you noticed. It helps them build good habits.
3. Keep Rules Clear and Same:
   • Research says that having clear and consistent rules is important for kids to grow well. This is especially true for strong-willed children. They need to know what’s expected and what happens if they don’t follow the rules.
4. Talk with Them:
   • Talking with your child is really important. It helps their feelings and makes them trust you more. For strong-willed kids, it’s even more crucial. Let them talk about what they feel, and be a good listener.
5. Stay Calm:
   • A study found that parents being calm helps kids behave better. It’s even more important for strong-willed kids. When they push limits, staying calm and dealing with it calmly is a good example for them.
6. Show Them How to Be Strong:
   • Research shows that kids learn a lot from watching their parents. If you handle tough situations with strength and don’t give up, your strong-willed child will learn to do the same.
7. Solve Problems Together:
   • Researchers found that involving kids in solving problems helps them think better. For strong-willed children, let them be part of finding solutions to issues. It makes them feel powerful and helps them learn to solve things on their own.
8. Connect Emotionally:
   • Experts say that having a strong emotional connection with your child is super important. For strong-willed kids, this connection gives them a safe place to be independent while knowing you’re there for them.

Raising strong-willed kids can be a bit challenging, but with these simple tips backed by research, it becomes easier. By understanding their needs, supporting them consistently, and using these evidence-based strategies, parents can enjoy a positive parenting journey with their spirited children.

Check out some of our ParentTV videos more for further information around supporting your strong willed children.