According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 3,747,540 births in the U.S. in 2019.
Were you one of the millions of parents who gave birth to a new baby in 2019 and are now watching them grow into beautiful toddlers? If you are, you might be seeing a spirited child grow up in front of you.
This guide will discuss the best ways to guide your spirited child. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Give Your Child Choices
A spirited child is a self-determined individual. They want to forge their path and make their own decisions. This is why trying to get your child to give in to your commands can be a difficult process.
One of the best parenting tips for spirited children is offering them choices. Give your child a limited number of choices, so they can still feel like they’re in charge of their own life.
Limit these choices to things you approve of so you don’t allow your child to behave unruly either.
2. Keep Your Emotions in Check
A stubborn kid can be a lot to handle. They’ll push back and challenge everything. This can make parenting hard.
When your child is having an emotional breakdown over something they can’t control, it’s hard to keep your emotions in check. You might feel angry about the situation.
Children are very perceptive, and they’ll feel the emotional state you’re in. Help them through these situations by keeping your own emotions in control.
3. Provide Explanations
Strong-willed children are naturally curious. They want to try everything they can. They also like to ask a lot of questions.
If you want to keep your child from jumping on the couch or running through the mud, you have to give them a detailed explanation as to why it’s not a good idea. Instead of a simple no, tell your child you can’t take them to the park because the weather will make it unsafe.
This will help them understand there’s a valid reason they can’t do something they want.
4. Keep Routines in Place
You’ll likely experience many power struggles with your spirited children as they grow up. Avoid these struggles and fights with your children by creating a routine for them.
If your child knows they only get to play with their phone after finishing their homework, they’ll be less likely to start an argument about it. These routines will give your children the balance they need.
5. Consider Counseling
Family counseling is great no matter what situation you have at home. Providers of family services offer therapy so you can work through your struggles together.
Play therapy is another great way for children to open up and discuss some of the struggles they’re having. Spirited children need all the support they can get.
Guide Your Spirited Child With These Tips
Your spirited child needs all the guidance they can get to navigate life. Help your independent child by offering them more choices and providing them with a routine for their day-to-day life.
Check out some of the other family and relationship articles on our site for more helpful tips.
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