Good News About Your Strong Willed Child: Creating a Positive Family Atmosphere (4/10)

I can’t change my circumstance so I’m going to have to change . . . especially around my strong-willed child — my effervescent seven-year-old!

The strong-willed child often sets the tone of the family — in mine, at least – if  I let him.  At the same time, the strong-willed child may simply be expressing the anxiety or unhappiness everyone is feeling.  He reflects the family’s tension and discomfort.  (Dr. Randy Reynolds, child psychologist)

So what’s a parent to do?

• Healthy families recognize and validate individual effort.  Combine compliments with effective love.  Focus on and encourage individual’s strengths.
• Discuss one issue.  Together, work towards problem-solving.  (“Dinner will be served at 6:00.  If you’re late, you won’t eat with us.  The mother includes family members’ suggestions.  She doesn’t argue.  She takes charge.)
• Work toward family atmosphere comprising warmth, relaxation, humor, responsiveness, flexibility, order, safety, love, closeness, honesty, and harmony.

Relax!  “Live, love, laugh!” 

Sounds like a plan!