If you are exhausted from perpetual power struggles with your child, are tired of hearing “no” multiple times every single day and in general, are awed by the stubbornness of your feisty kid, chances are you are dealing with a “Strong-Willed” or “Spirited” child. Raising a strong-willed child is emotionally and physically draining and quite frankly, extremely challenging, to say the least.
I have known I was dealing with one ever since sonny had approached his second year. Initially, it was just a mild suspicion – He was far less complaint than other similarly aged kids in our family circle, was always in high energy mode (could not sit still for one second) and had the word “No” as his best friend long before he could actually say it. I was always one of those parents who would look at other parents in public with utter jealousy because of their comparatively well-behaved children while trying to chase down my defiant kid, wondering “Why the hell can I not have one quiet outing like everyone else!”
Like me, most parents of strong-willed children know from early on that they are dealing with a child who couldn’t be swayed from their standpoints easily. But in case you are still wondering “he may be one, he may not be one”, then here are 10 signs to help you figure that out:
1. They are fiercely stubborn and not afraid to say “No”
Strong willed children are fiercely stubborn and unwavering. They know what they want (or don’t want!) and will not get swayed by any diversions you put in their way. No amount of scare tactics or road blocks you put in their way will daunt or discourage them to abandon their goals.
They are not afraid to say “No” as many times as it takes and you can never make them do something against their will, ever! This may sound like a great quality to have in adulthood, but quite difficult to manage in a 4-year-old.
Whether they want to wear red shirt and red pant all day long or drink their milk with chocolate and honey or play planets and planets alone or even help you with cooking their pancakes, they will have their way. Or, kill you 😉 in the process, trying.
