Parenting is tough. Perhaps you wonder if all children are as demanding as yours. Perhaps your child seems more stubborn, more tenacious or more persistent than other people's kids. It is possible that you have a strong-willed child. Some kids are born more willful than others, according to Focus on the Family. It is simply part of their unique personality. The website claims that there are three times as many strong-willed children than mild-tempered children.
Determination
All children are determined at times, but determination rules the lives of strong-willed children. The website AtHealth.com describes strong-willed children as having a continual willfulness that is intolerable for the parent. The site claims that when strong-willed children get what they want, their determination only grows into a power all its own. Determination for strong-willed children breeds more determination.
The Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis (AAP) tells parents that these children also lack respect for authority. If an authority figure is also strong-willed, the child will only see this as a challenge and fight harder. "No" from a parent or teacher doesn't stop a strong-willed child from continuing his fight.
No Fear
Strong-willed children are not afraid to test the limits. Focus on the Family warns not to underestimate the quest for power and independence of a strong-willed child. These children are creative in their struggles. They will not stop until they have exhausted every measure they can concoct to achieve their goals. They have little self-restraint. When a strong-willed child gets an idea, he pursues it, sometimes even when his own safety is at stake.
Anger
When the demands of strong-willed children are not met, their emotions turn to anger. AtHealth.com describes anger as "the hallmark" of a strong-willed child. According to the website, children with this strong temperament will say they "want" something. If they don't get what they want, they will say they "must have it" and finally they will say they "should have it." When they are denied what they feel they are entitled to, they become angry. A more mild-tempered child may shrug it off and move on to his next pursuit.
Challenging in a Positive Way
Just because a child is strong-willed does not mean there is no hope. In fact, the opposite is true. The AAP describes strong-willed children as challenging in a fun way. They have a remarkable sense of humor and they are creative. The AAP reminds parents of strong-willed children to cultivate their young one's creativity. The results will be worth it. The AAP also notes that some strong-willed children are telepathic or clairvoyant. Their abilities just need to be discovered and developed.
