Inside: Raising a strong-willed child isn’t a walk in the park, but it comes with valuable lessons for parents.
**Table of Contents**
Having a strong will and fierce determination is like being an extrovert, having blue eyes, or being good at math—it’s either part of who you are or it isn’t. If your child has this trait, believe me, you’ll notice it right away.
Even from a young age, you’ll see it: your child is always active, questioning norms, and pushing boundaries to learn about the world. Parenting a strong-willed child can be exhausting, to say the least.
Being the parent of a strong-willed child might not be what most of us would choose at the outset, but as we find our footing (even if it’s a challenging journey), we start to see that these kids make us better parents and, ultimately, better people.
If you find yourself nodding along to these truths, you’re probably a member of the strong-willed child club.
Sadly, there’s no break from the relentless stream of questions and debates that start before dawn. Whether you’re awake or not, your child might already be presenting a case for why they should wear the same dress to school again.
You might have imagined raising an easygoing, compliant child who follows your lead smoothly. But with a strong-willed child, it often feels like a curse. However, this challenge reminds us that life’s greatest gifts often come through struggle, and our child is indeed one of those gifts.
Your intense struggles with your determined child have, at times, left you feeling drained. Yet, the way your child draws out all your emotions forces you to reflect deeply on yourself. The fact that your child has made you confront your own controlling tendencies can be seen as a hidden blessing.
You might wonder why other kids seem to listen more easily, or how another parent only needed to ask their child once to leave the pool. These differences might make you question your methods. After reading countless books and trying new strategies, we’ve realized it’s not so simple. While our kids can comply, it requires us to think creatively and meet them where they are.
**Related: The Best Parent Mindset for Raising a Strong-Willed Child**
Parenting a strong-willed child isn’t easy, and teamwork is essential. Over time, you realize you’re dealing with a force of nature—both literally and figuratively. My husband and I have learned that there’s a good chance one of us is just as strong-willed.
Comments from others used to affect you (and occasionally still do on tough days). But now you’ve recognized that you know your child best, and those comments merely highlight that others might not understand what it’s like to raise a strong-willed child. These moments also remind us to withhold judgment on other parents.
**Related: Change How You View Your Strong-Willed Child and Unlock Their Full Potential**
It’s been far from easy or natural, but you’ve invested a tremendous amount of effort to connect with your child. Admittedly, your strong-willed child has made you a better parent.
We believe our strong-willed kids have the determination to do incredible things in the world, and we wish anyone who stands in their way good luck.
On days when your spirited and determined child leaves you feeling completely worn out, think about the future. One day, you’ll wake up to a quiet house and a peaceful cup of coffee without debates. Thanks to your hard work and nurturing, it’s likely you’ll spend some of those quiet mornings chatting on the phone, hearing about their amazing adventures and achievements.
P.S. Do you have a child who constantly challenges you? Needs the last word? Experiences big, intense emotions? Struggles with listening?
These challenging behaviors can turn family life into a zone of negativity and disconnection.
