Characteristics Of A Strong Willed Child

Do you know if you have a strong willed child or not? I have 3 children and one of them is most certainly strong willed. What sets him apart from the others?

Every child is an individual with distinct features, some of which are endearing and others which are not. As a result, some children are simple to parent, while others redefine the phrase “parenting”.

Children with strong personalities fall into the latter type, and they can leave you fatigued at the end of the day. Having a strong-willed child, on the other hand, is not a terrible thing; in fact, it is regarded as a favourable characteristic.

If you do figure out that you in fact have a strong willed child, come see how I set boundaries with my very own strong willed child.

This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

Want to learn how to use positive parenting? Register for a free class called GET KIDS TO LISTEN THE RIGHT WAY; an exclusive FREE class from nationally recognized parenting coach, Amy McCready.

Characteristics Of A Strong Willed Child

Being Fast At Everything

Strong-willed kids desire to get everything done as soon as possible. Their middle name is impatience, and they despise waiting for things to happen. I know it sounds like normal toddler behavior but strong willed toddlers are a lot faster than average. Everything has to happen quickly: eating, chatting, and walking.

My strong willed child reads a book in 1 day, and retains all the information. Definitely speedy! I’m always doubtful that the whole book was read in it’s entirety, but he surprises me every time! I have to learn to stop doubting him.

See also: Things Only Parents Of High Spirited Kids Would Understand

Bossy and Controlling

Strong-willed children enjoy giving directions, and they want those orders to be obeyed. They have a vision of how things should be and will go to great lengths to make it a reality. If your child has a strong personality, he will not hesitate to tell you what he wants you to do to help him realize his dreams.

If you have a controlling child, strong willed or not, here is a resource for you: Getting Controlling Kids To Cooperate.

Self Paced Learner

Rather of following directions, they prefer to learn through trial and error. They want to be given an option rather than being told what to do.

See also: Awesome And Easy Get To Know You Questions For Kids

Refusal To Do Something They Don’t Want To

Simply instructing your strong willed child to do something will not result in the work being completed. You’ll have to think of new ways to communicate your message. Force doesn’t work, I like to use connection as my means of communication with my strong willed kiddo. You might think these are simply poor listening skills, but really it’s strong will.

By the way, if you ever have trouble parenting a strong willed child, maybe you can try some of the tips here: Things Your Strong Willed Child Needs From You.

Will Voice Opinion

Your child will want to express their point of view on every little issue. It may be the new supper recipe you attempted or the colour of their outfit.

Have Long Tantrums

Temper tantrums are common in young children, particularly toddlers. Strong-willed children, on the other hand, experience extreme rage that takes a long time to subside. They can have a hard time expressing their rage.

If you do have a tough time calming down your child, try these powerful phrases here.

They Will Fight For What’s Right

Such children will only do what they believe in, and will consequently be willing to battle for what they believe is right. Once they’ve made up their minds, no amount of argument will sway them.

They will pursue a matter until they are satisfied that it has been resolved to their satisfaction. They will not take “I say so” as a response, and they will interrogate you until you are exhausted. Children with strong personalities get into a lot of power struggles, and you might have a harder time setting limits.

See also: Parenting Strategies I Use On My Strong-Willed Child

They Have a Hard Time Switching Tasks

Strong-willed children may struggle to quit doing something before reaching their objective or completing the work in its entirety. They tend to devote all of their attention to the subject at hand and are unable to abandon it midway.

They Can Be Creative

In the way they analyse and interpret circumstances and difficulties, a strong-willed child will stand out from the crowd. He is unconcerned about what others may think or do and can really think outside the box when it comes to problem solving and getting creative.

Characteristics Of A Strong Willed Child Bottom Line

From experience, when it comes to raising strong-willed toddler boys and girls, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll have to adjust your strategy based on your child’s behaviour and attitude.

Parenting a strong-willed child may be a difficult undertaking, particularly in the early years. You may help your child grow into a determined, self-assured adult you can be proud of by cultivating his distinctive personality in the proper way. You may channel your child’s energy in the appropriate direction by focusing on his good characteristics.

---

“GENTLE PARENTING IS A LIFESTYLE THAT EMBRACES BOTH YOUR PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR, NOT ONLY TOWARDS YOUR CHILDREN, BUT TO YOURSELF TOO“

— SARA HOCKWELL-SMITH

---