Strong-willed and obstinate children are more likely to succeed

It turns out that having a strong-willed child is actually a good thing, which is great news for parents of tots with strong personalities. According to data, stubborn children are more likely to succeed later in life. Continue reading to find out more about this fascinating research. Then read on for some parenting advice on how to support your child's independence while maintaining your sanity.

Children with a strong will are more likely to succeed.

You know how we mothers gripe about our obstinate children all the time? We moan about their picking their own clothes (which don't always match), refusing to eat certain nutritious meals, and refusing to tidy up their rooms when we tell them to. It's the same thing every day. Trying to persuade someone to accomplish a single easy task by arguing and fighting.

According to a new study, this is a sign that our children will be more successful as adults, do better academically, and make more money. Isn't this incredible? My children will be wealthy!

Stubborn Children Are More Likely To Be Successful, According To Science

The study followed children from late elementary school to adulthood and was published in the US National Library of Medicine.

It all started when 742 youngsters between the ages of 8 and 12 were assessed for non-cognitive personality qualities decades ago. Academic conscientiousness, entitlement, and resistance are examples of these traits. When researchers returned 40 years later to see how things had progressed, they discovered an unexpected pattern. Rule-breaking and defiance were found to be the best non-cognitive predictors of high adult income.

The study does not yet explain why stubborn children are more likely to succeed. Strong-willed children, according to the authors, maybe more competitive in the classroom, resulting in better grades. They may also be more demanding as adults, which can help you negotiate better compensation.

“If your kid continually requests the bigger cookie, they'll undoubtedly grow up to demand the greater bonus,” writes Jillian Rose Lim of the blog Fatherly. When you think about it that that, it makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

Of course, there's a difference between having a strong will and being completely incapable of compromising.

How to Raise Fierce Children Who Can Still Make Compromises

The goal is to strike a balance between encouraging your children to fight for what they want while also acknowledging that they may not always be able to attain it.

Describe your guidelines.

When children understand the "why" behind your rules, they are more inclined to follow them. Avoid cliched justifications such as "because I said so." Instead, give them rational, understandable explanations. For instance, rather than simply telling kids they can't have candy for dinner, explain why it's unhealthy for them.

When your youngster requests to watch an adult cartoon, don't just say "no," explain why you think it's unsuitable. You don't have to give a long speech about why you establish particular boundaries, but you should say something more concrete than "because I'm the parent and anything I say goes."

Consistency in repercussions is important.

Make sure to clarify the repercussions of breaching your rules as you discuss them. Then, more crucially, follow through on those actions. Don't give in a day later if you tell your youngster he can't watch TV for a week after you discover him viewing the aforementioned improper show. He'll figure out quite fast that you're all bark and no bite.

Of all, the best approach to come up with fair repercussions is to start with reasonable ones in the first place. Before you hand out sanctions, think about what you're doing. After your youngster disobeys a rule, don't yell, "You're grounded for a month!" Remember, if he's grounded and restricted to the house for a month, you're grounded and confined to the house as well!

Reward excellent bargaining skills.

It's critical to occasionally allow your youngster to triumph. No, I'm not referring to the children's game Candyland. I'm referring to his brilliantly phrased arguments in which he delivers his point of view in such a clear and lucid manner that you can't help but be impressed. If giving in isn't going to hurt him, then go ahead and do it.

Kids must learn how to properly negotiate and stand up for what they believe in now in order to be prepared to do so later in life in the real world.

Give them as many options as you can.

There are some things that aren't negotiable. Whether they like it or not, our children must wash their teeth, go to bed at a sensible hour, get up for school, and eat healthy meals. The idea is to provide kids options that are consistent with our standards while also allowing them to feel in charge of their own bodies. Allow your child to choose whether to wash his teeth before or after bath time, for example. Before you go to bed, ask him which book he wants to read. Collaborate to locate healthy foods that are both tasty and nutritious.

It's a good thing you have a stubborn youngster!

I'm completely enthralled by the study's findings. Children who rebelled against their parents and were prone to breaking regulations later in life were more successful. This means that my never-ending battle to get my kids to do what I want them to do may, in the end, be advantageous.

As parents, I feel it is our responsibility to steer our children in the proper route. Because it is beneficial for them, we should teach kids excellent values and embrace their unique characteristics. In the future, a strong-willed child who knows what is right will fight for a good cause and protest against a bad one.

So, if you're like me and have obstinate children, consider yourselves fortunate. Allow your children to be themselves and discover their strengths.

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