Understanding and Nurturing a Stubborn Child

 

       Dealing with a stubborn child can test the patience of even the most experienced parents. Stubbornness is often misunderstood as misbehavior or defiance, but in many cases, it reflects a child’s developing sense of autonomy, self-expression, and personal boundaries. Understanding the root causes and implementing thoughtful strategies can transform power struggles into opportunities for growth and connection. It is important and necessary to create a friendly relationship with the stubborn child as much as possible and to win his heart.

 

Understanding a stubborn child and how to deal with them

 

1. Understanding Stubbornness in Children

Stubbornness is more than just saying "no" repeatedly. Psychologists often consider it a manifestation of temperament. Some children are naturally more assertive, intense, or persistent. They may be stubborn in their interactions and unwilling to accept the opinions or words of others, even their parents. If you see this in your child and their stubbornness, try to deal with them rationally, taking action and reacting appropriately.

 

2. The Scientific Basis for Stubborn Behavior

Neuroscience indicates that the prefrontal cortex in children, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and self-control, does not fully develop until early adulthood. This means that emotional control is limited. Emotional reactions are stronger than rational decision-making, and patience is difficult to maintain. Understanding this biological basis reminds parents that stubbornness is often not a conscious choice, but rather a stage of development. Naturally, this type of child may appear sullen and intolerant of others.

 

3-   Avoid giving orders to this type of child

Avoid giving orders to this type of child as much as possible, and instead try to build a friendly relationship with them and treat them gently so they will soften their stubbornness a little.

 

4-Encourage and praise the child

Encourage and praise the child whether you are with him or with the group, for listening and becoming sensible. Do not compare him to any of his classmates, but speak positively about him.

 

5 - Be a good listener.

Be a patient listener so your child can express their feelings, opinions, and desires, and enjoy your friendship as a caregiver. Give them ample time to release their energy by playing and playing with them.

 

6- Try to build a friendship with him or her.

 While strengthening the friendship and playing, try to instill calmness in him, offer him advice, and encourage him to be calm and enjoy his time without spoiling the good times with anger and stubbornness.

 

7. Remain calm and silent when he is angry and stubborn.

 When he is angry, leave him alone, and after his tantrum has subsided, you, as his caregiver, should pretend, even if only pretending, that the situation is upsetting to him. After the tantrum, try to be friendly and build a loving relationship with him. Suggest, "How about we try to reduce the tension, stubbornness, and aggression?" If you can win him over, it means the child is also unhappy with the situation. Together, over time, the tantrum and stubbornness will subside or lessen.

 

8-Try to understand her feelings and help her understand why he's getting upset.

 By asking questions, try to convince him that stubbornness and anger are unproductive and only destroy peace, love, and relationships. This type of child needs to be dealt with patiently and with flexibility.

 

9. Try to assign them a specific sport.

 Engaging in a non-violent sport helps release negative energy and brings happiness and contentment. Releasing this energy reduces the urge to be stubborn and angry.

 

10. Try training your child through affection and communication.

Through this relationship and friendship, try promising him that if he doesn't get angry today, you will buy him a gift or fulfill his request. If he doesn't get angry for a week, you, as his caregiver, will do something to please him, such as a gift, a fun outing, or a trip to an amusement park. This will instill patience and help him overcome stubbornness.

 

11- Try introducing him to calm children at first

Through this interaction, they will learn calmness and patience.

 

12- Watch a calm, educational program or film together.

Choose a calm program or film for her and avoid action, fighting, or any kind of violence. Explain the calming aspect of the film to her to encourage her to be calm, as children naturally imitate what they perceive through their senses.

 

13-And don't forget to consult with specialists

By consult with specialist  so they can give you the right advice to reduce stubbornness and anger outbursts.

 

Conclusion

As we know, humanity is not all the same, including children, but it's important to understand and teach them how to raise them. We may be blessed with children who are temperamental and stubborn, and in such cases, we need knowledge and skills to deal with them. If we don't arm ourselves with knowledge, skills, and patience, our home could turn into a living hell and a life of despair. The aim of this article is to explain how to identify this type of child, how to deal with them, and how to succeed in this challenge and turn adversity into opportunity. We wish everyone the best of luck.