In response to questions from readers, Saren offers concrete ideas for how we can work more effectively with children who are strong-willed, opinionated, and/or stubborn and who we clash with all too often.
As a fellow struggler with this issue, Saren uses specific scenarios to explain the approaches and steps that can help us get on the same side as our child and work together to solve issues that arise.
Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below. And please send any parenting questions you’d like us to address to contact@poweroffamilies.
Photo by ALP STUDIO on Unsplash
Audio editing by Christy Elder
Saren. I so appreciate your wisdom in this episode. Timing really can be everything as we navigate tough issues with our kids who cling to their strong opinions, especially as they become teenagers.
I’m posting this to my facebook page as a valuable resource for parents.
Thanks for this ministry to Moms in particular.
One of the phrases you use, beginning with “I respect you….” made me think about my own learning as a Mom of 4 boys. Thought you might enjoy my reflections on a powerful book ever Mom with boys should read: https://www.lightlyfrayed.com/moms-and-sons-respect-is-the-secret-sauce/
We have an 11 year old diagnosed with depression/anxiety/suicidal thoughts. She is SUPER strong willed. It is a tricky situation to deal with conflict. We are working with professionals, but curious if anyone else has ideas. Recently she pierced her cartilidge behind our back and is refusing to take it out– she did this before and when we said take it out, she did. I can’t sit on her and tear it out (and maintain a relastiionship!). Do we let her “earn” it, or just keep on her to take it out.