A strong-willed child is one who tries to gain power over any situation he finds himself in. He pushes boundaries and will not take "no" for an answer. Fortunately, there are ways you can discipline even the most strong-willed child. The most important action is being consistent in the way you enforce your disciplinary techniques. Make sure you also direct your strong-willed child's powerful energy toward positive goals, so that you don't dampen his spirit.
Step 1
Understand that strong-willed children need to experience the consequences of their actions (instead of simply listening to your reasoning). Figure out what matters the most to your child to create the most appropriate consequences for him when his behavior gets out of control.
Step 2
Look your strong-willed child right in the eye when you speak to him to block out any surrounding distractions. Do this whether you are disciplining him or engaging in a normal conversation. Understand that your child needs to know he has your full attention (as strong-willed children are often just looking for attention when employing their willful nature).
Step 3
Always be true to your word. Understand that your strong-willed child can take advantage of you if you do not do this because you are too busy or too tired to follow through on what you have previously stated. If, for example, you have said that you will not allow your child to watch television if she does not cooperate, then you must take this privilege away from her for some time.
Step 4
Do your best to exercise patience in the midst of conflicts with your strong-willed child. Recognize the fact that your screaming will only add fuel to his fire. Stand firm without provoking your child to fight against you.
Step 5
Leave the room when your strong-willed child will not stop throwing a tantrum, as long as he is not in danger of being harmed if you do so. Understand that once your child realizes that his screaming, crying and fussing do not affect you, he will eventually stop this behavior on his own.
Step 6
Direct your strong-willed child's energy into constructive activities like volunteering in the community or playing on sports teams.
Tips and Warnings
- Asking your strong-willed child to explain her actions can help her develop insight into her own thought processes and make her feel valued.
