As a new parent, you imagined that your child would listen to your every command, obey you at all points in life, and learn to just be a peaceful, loving child without any issues. Then one day you woke up and realized that the idea of a child who listens to every word you utter is not how this parenthood journey is going to go. You woke up one day and realized that you’re raising a strong-willed child.
Perhaps a part of you is thankful that your child is strong-willed, I mean this makes them more confident and able to stand up for themselves later on in life. The other part of you is wondering how to get your strong-willed child to listen to your instruction. With all of that being said, there are reasons why it’s good to have a strong-willed child and today I will tell you why.
They Think for Themselves
During the younger years, a strong-willed child may seem disobedient but they are 
simply learning how to think for themselves. They may exhibit personality traits that seem to be disobedient and in our grownup minds disobedience does need a consequence. However, there are times you can pause and realize that your child isn’t trying to be naughty. Your child is a strong-willed child and questioning what is right for them to do at this particular moment. They are embracing who they are and who they want to become and this means doing it their own way. Your job is to teach them to think wisely for themselves, not just do whatever they want because they want to do it. As the parent allow them the strength of thinking for themselves while gently guiding them to do so in a safe, acceptable manner.
Future Leader
Most strong-willed children will take on a leadership role later in life. They will have developed the necessary skills required to be a leader to their peers and community members. A strong-willed child means that they are able to stand up for what they believe in, stand firm when the authority figure is demanding something from them and in time, with your guidance, learn to develop proper communication tactics to fight for their beliefs. These are all strong leadership skills that your child can use in their adult life to be successful.
They Have Opinions
The really cool thing about raising a strong-willed child is that they have their own opinions. This may be challenging from a parenting perspective at times, but in reality, it’s a positive that your strong-willed child is willing to question you and share an opinion of their own. Most strong-willed children will share opinions that actually make sense. They are able to get you to think outside of the box and come down to their level of understanding. This is an essential skill to have later on in life when they venture out into adulthood.
My Strong Willed Child
My youngest is very strong willed. From the time he was able to effectively express himself he has asked questions, demanded the answers, and done things how he sees they need to be done. He is the youngest of four but is definitely the ringleader of the bunch. I heard from many people I needed to control him and make him listen but my thought was why. Why did I need to control him and form him into where I thought he should fit. I prefer to let him have his wings and fly.
My husband and I are always there to guide him and protect him. And yes there are times I wished he would just do what I say so we can get a move on but there are times I can see what he has the potential to be and I am so proud. It takes alot of patience to parent a strong willed child and embrace who they are. I have little patience and ave found myself screaming in a pillow in my room more than once lol but then I gather myself and go back to adventure.
Final Thoughts
The three strengths of a strong-willed child make it a great thing that you’re raising one. Instead of trying to change who your child is, work with your child’s strengths. A strong-willed child will be a very beneficial member of our future generation of adults. They will be able to think outside of the box, be more passionate about their opinions and learn to communicate effectively with others to open their mind to change. This is a great thing and when raised with positive guidance, your strong-willed child could change the world someday. I have every assurance that my strong willed son is going to do great things as long as I embrace who he is and help him follow his path to who he will become.
I LOVED THIS!! We have a strong willed daughter out self and oh my goodness it can be so tough at times but her potential keeps us grateful for… Such a gift lol…
Great Post and your future leader is a handsome lil man
God Bless
Author
Thank you!!!! You are so right it can be difficult but then you look and see what they will become and its all worth it. Love that you see your daughter how I see my son.
That is a great post. I love that you show that mainly, a child is being themselves no matter what. Having an opinion is a great thing and learning how to communicate with your child is key.
I’m pretty strong willed & glad when I see this quality in kids. As parents we need to help our kids grow up knowing who they are, what they want & how to achieve their goals in the right way.
This is a really encouraging post because it can be very hard dealing with strong willed children as my first is very much in that mold. I appreciate the insight into what some of that could mean in the future. It helps to balancr the chaos of today!
This is so my daughter! She is strong willed and stubborn but I couldn’t love her more! Everyone says she reminds them of me when I was young. While it can be frustrating at times, I don’t want her to ever lose that fire.
I can imagine it is hard to parent a strong willed child at times! This post is great for parents going through the same to have some ideas and know they aren’t alone.
There can be a challenge having a strong willed child in both ways good and bad. Being a future leader is an excellent reason not to stifle a strong willed child.
Author
I agree. It can be a struggle and a blessing. Hopefully my kiddo grows to be a leader
I like this positive outlook on strong-willed children. As long as you teach and guide them along the way, they can grow up to be independent and intelligent adults!
xoxo
Annie
It can be a challenge to have a strong willed child. It is however very important to offer him understanding and to support him with his decisions, so that he can learn from them.
I think almost every family gets a strong-willed child. They can be difficult to raise, but I believe mine will do great things. My child is much more courageous than me. I think it is important to still require obedience though. Having this kind of child without a moral compass and self-control can be a disaster. If your child doesn’t understand right from wrong, he/she may be bound and determined to drag you and many others down a terrible path.
Author
You are absolutely correct. I believe the same. With our we steer and guide but if its not that serious we let it go. If its important he is free to express his desire but in the end safety and morals first. One of the first things we taught him was self control and right from wrong. So while he is strong willed he has a strong moral compass at least in 4 yr old terms lol.
What a cool post! This is such a great way of looking at it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Many have strong willed children and there is nothing wrong with that . I totally agree that children should have their individual personality and as parents we should support them to be individuals as long as their strong willedness does not make them stubborn and spoilt.
Love this! We have a strong willed 3 year old. We call him “spirited.” Haha. It’s a tough age, but I think about what kind of adult he’s going to be and I think it’s a good thing that he’s so strong willed.
I was also a strong willed child, and I was lucky that my mom seemed to know how to handle it well! It’s definitely a (mostly) good thing 🙂
I loved reading this. You make a really good point where you say,: “Instead of trying to change who your child is, work with your child’s strengths.” That’s the key, I think, to avoiding a lot of frustration and heartache on both sides.
I am not a parent but i definitely loved this post as my nephew is a strong willed child and we love him for it.
My youngest is very strong willed and I have never dissuaded him from being this way. I know this will help him in the future.
Great ideas here, it’s important to embrace the personality of our children, however strong personality should not be mistaken with rudeness; sometimes there’s a fine line between those two.