The Spirited Child: Positive parenting resources, articles, and insights

Find quality positive parenting resources for parenting a spirited child here. These resources are based on research and rooted in positive parenting.

Parenting a spirited child is a dynamic, involved, and arduous undertaking. You see, a strong-willed or spirited child does not take direction at face value. They are prone to power struggles, as they are energetic, involved, and often, quite sensitive.

What exactly is a strong-willed child? Some parents call them “difficult” or “stubborn,” but we could also see strong-willed kids as people of integrity who aren’t easily swayed from their own viewpoints. Strong-willed kids are spirited and courageous. They want to learn things for themselves rather than accepting what others say, so they test the limits over and over. They want desperately to be “in charge” of themselves, and will sometimes put their desire to “be right” above everything else. When their heart is set on something, their brains seem to have a hard time switching gears. Strong-willed kids have big, passionate feelings and live at full throttle. – Dr Laura Markham, Aha Parenting

Spirited children have a strong sense of self. They are leaders. And they aren’t highly impressionable. They are an incredible source of pride for their parents. However, it is because of these traits, spirited children can be quite difficult to parent. Here you will find resources on parenting strong-willed children that are encouraging, empowering, practical and rooted in research.

Resources for Parenting a Spirited Child

For additional reading on spirited children, check these out:

• 20 Hopes for my Spirited Child
• Parenting your Strong-Wiled Child
• 3 Ways Parenting a Spirited Child can Bring you Joy