Posted on January 6, 2009 in Latest News
Stubbornness in a child can wear the toughest parent down. Some children are born headstrong from the very beginning itself, but some acquire this trait over a period of time. Those who have been displaying this stubborn attitude since a toddler have to be dealt with in a very patient manner.
But those who have acquired this behavior suddenly cannot be left out but have to be dealt in a more close and persistent manner. A child who suddenly displays stubbornness can do so for the following reasons
1) Upset about something: A child who is very amiable and loving may suddenly display a fit of stubbornness when angry or upset about something. Check and see what the child is upset about, communicate with him/her and find out what is troubling them. Check to see if they are unwell. Sometimes, illness also causes a person to become very irritable.
2) Learnt Behavior: A child at times learns to act stubborn by observing people who are close to him/her. It could be either one of the parents or their friends whose parents give in every time they act stubborn. Stubbornness is repeatedly displayed when the child learns that their parents will give in to whatever they want if they act stubborn. Conditioning leads to strengthening of this behavior. In this case the child should be taught to differentiate between desired and undesired behavior. They should be taught that displaying stubborn behavior for the sake of satisfying every qualm and fancy is unacceptable and will not be appreciated.
3) Gaining Attention: Children sometimes act stubborn to gain the attention of his/her parents. If the child believes that this is the best way to gain attention, they will repeatedly display it.
Find out why and which of these reasons are causing your child to act stubborn and work on helping your child out. Knowing the reason helps parents be understanding and patient towards the child.
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