Bryan Dunst discusses how to go about raising a strong-willed child.

1. 9/14/21, 9:04 AM Raising a Strong-Willed Child | Bryan Dunst | Food Blog
https://bryandunst.com/raising-a-strong-willed-child/ 1/4
Raising a Strong-Willed Child
by bryandunst | Sep 14, 2021 | Bryan Dunst, Wellbeing
Before you became a parent, you might have imagined many things about your future
child. You likely knew that they would be smart, kind, and capable of achieving their
dreams. Yet, you might not have bargained for a child whose will is so strong that they
border on being defiant. While you can’t change your child’s reactions to the world, you
can help them learn to manage their behavior. Parenting a strong-willed child is easier
when you keep these strategies in mind.
Remember the Benefits of a Strong Will
If you take a moment to think about a few leaders that you know, you’ll likely notice that
they have what people commonly consider to be a strong will. You simply can’t get to the
top unless you have a serious passion and drive to get what you want. Your child’s strong
will comes with valuable traits such as perseverance, confidence, and a desire to be
independent. While this might not seem great when they can throw a tantrum for hours
when they don’t get their way, it will one day work out for them to have a personality that
makes them ideal for being a CEO.
Encourage a Flexible Mindset
U
U a
a

2. 9/14/21, 9:04 AM Raising a Strong-Willed Child | Bryan Dunst | Food Blog
https://bryandunst.com/raising-a-strong-willed-child/ 2/4
Every activity that your child does at home and school provides them with a chance to
practice their social skills. One way that you can help your child is to plan activities at home
that require them to adjust to other people’s preferences. For instance, everyone could
vote on where to go for a dinner out. Your child might have to learn to go with the flow if
their choice is outnumbered. Being in a safe place lets your child work through their
difficult emotions before they have to be in public.
Help Them Find Ways to Manage Stress
Children with strong wills often experience more stress than others who adapt quickly to
changes. You can teach your child coping skills that they can turn to when they don’t get
their way. Try showing your child how to practice deep breathing or briefly play with a
soothing toy until they calm down. Make sure to practice these skills when your child is
calm so that they can become automatic for them to use later when they are upset.
When you have a strong-willed child, it is important to remember that your mindset also
influences your child’s behavior. Try to remember to take a break when you feel stressed,
and encourage your child to do the same. Over time, your child will learn how to respond
appropriately to changes in their environment and routine, and you can look forward to
one day seeing the positive aspects of their strong personality helping them to become a
leader in their school and community.
Recent Posts
Raising a Strong-Willed Child
The Psychological Benefits of Physical Touch in Early Life
Raising Your Kids to be Successful
Personal Finance Psychology to Practice
How Warmth as a Parent Can Benefit Troubled Teens
Archives
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
March 2021
Search

3. 9/14/21, 9:04 AM Raising a Strong-Willed Child | Bryan Dunst | Food Blog
https://bryandunst.com/raising-a-strong-willed-child/ 3/4
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
June 2020
February 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
Categories
Blog
Bryan Dunst
Cooking
drinks
Finance
food
Holidays
Thanksgiving
Uncategorized
Wellbeing

4. 9/14/21, 9:04 AM Raising a Strong-Willed Child | Bryan Dunst | Food Blog
https://bryandunst.com/raising-a-strong-willed-child/ 4/4
Meta
Site Admin
Log out
Entries feed
Comments feed
WordPress.org
Copyright © Bryan Dunst · 2018