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Being a parent to a stubborn child is fraught with plenty of challenges. Parents and children could have a hard time finding a common ground if there is a power struggle between them. There will be times when your child acts difficult or wants a specific need met. And, such behaviors are not always deliberate. However, that could provoke you and push you to lose your temper. Being unaware of how to discipline bullish kids or teaching them the proper manner of conduct could lead to chaos and drama that can snowball into something irreparable in the future.
Lack of discipline leads to stressful situations that could escalate into difficult, confrontational moments. If you are dealing with a stubborn child who is unwilling to co-operate and wants to have their way all the time, we can help you. Read on and know the right ways to discipline them, so they understand their limits, be respectful at all times and grow up to display positive behaviors.
1. Pay Attention And Negotiate
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Communication is key to a healthy relationship with your children. It will help set the right expectations for them to meet. Listen to them carefully when your child expresses a need or demands fulfillment of a whim. Avoid the urge to argue and help them open up to you as a friend by winning their trust and love. This works miraculously in helping them feel confident to have a friendly conversation with you. They’ll realize that you respect their opinions and feelings and are in the right frame of mind to hear them out.
There’s no point forcing all your wants on them, as this will only push you to the edge and trigger negative feelings of resentment in them. So, instead of commanding them to stop crying, have an empathetic approach and ask them the reason for their emotional outburst instead.
2. Put Yourself In Their Shoes
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If your child is strong-willed, it could take you a while to understand why they behave how they behave and figure out the right way to deal with them. Carefully observe their behavior and note their triggers or what makes them rebellious and stubborn. For instance, do they throw fits or conduct themselves aggressively to resist the control you have over them? Do they act stubbornly to exert their domination over others, or is it a reaction to your inability to fulfill what you may have promised to them? Allow your child a choice between two tasks so they have the autonomy to decide what they would like to do instead of imposing a single task with an iron fist.
3. Clarify Your Expectations
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Set some rules for your child to follow. Discuss the non-negotiable rules, so they know their boundaries. This should help them with a structure to keep in mind, which will keep them from moving astray. Also, set clear consequences for non-adherence to avoid specific destructive behaviors. It could be something like disallowing them from riding the cycle or watching television on a particular day. Such clarity will enable them to make better decisions.
4. Stay Consistent With The Rules
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A softer approach might help you avoid dealing with your child’s tantrums, but that’s not a great idea if you wish to discipline them in the long run and prevent them from acting stubbornly. While you can always take some days off once in a while to give them a break from stringent rules, be consistent at it, so they take your rules seriously and follow them diligently. Be firm as you implement them, so the expectations are well set. You can also discuss the tasks you would like to assign to them so they can decide on their options and reward them for doing things the right way. This should help them stay motivated and consistent in behaving well without reacting violently.
5. Be Careful With Your Reactions
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Children can be sensitive to how they interact with their parents and vice versa. Many parents fail to closely check how they behave or react around their kids, especially as they discipline them. Make sure your tone is correct so your child does not feel threatened or challenged. Be assertive but have a compassionate attitude towards your child. This will ensure that there is enough positivity in dealing with your kids in a collected manner.
Following these tips, you can productively deal with your stubborn child, so they understand and behave appropriately. You’ll notice changes with consistency and patience. Encourage good behavior in them and always try to explain your points as logically as possible. If you still struggle to discipline them, it’s a good idea to consult an expert so your child can be on the right path. What difficulties did you face while trying to discipline your strong-willed child? Do share your experiences with us in the comments below.
