Stubbornnes in Children under 6 year:
Watson, the pioneer of the behavioral theory in children’s learning, says, “The child practices stubbornness in early stages of life for many reasons, and it is evidence of the integrity of his mental maturity and his distinction in recognizing things.
Watson shows that stubborn behavior is not considered a problem for a child, and adds that the behavior of the stubborn child is formed through the actions of the parents based on the principle of stimulation and response.
“The more parents insist on the behavior of a child, the opposite behavior is generated in us known as stubbornness.”
How should parents deal smartly with a child’s stubborn behavior?
1) Understanding the stubbornness of the child:
Not all stubbornness is negative and not good. Many times, the child learns his life matters by insisting on something and this gives his opportunity to learn more.
2) Calmness:
A stubborn child is not dealt with nervously, screaming or hitting, the child may understand the persistence of the parents as evidence of their strength, and this is what the growing child does not satisfy. The child learns that this behavior provokes the anger of the parents and uses it as a weapon against them.
3) Providing alternatives:
The best way to stop stubbornness is to provide alternatives to the child.
Instead of forcing the child to eat, parents put two or more options to accept their request, for example (eating meat – chicken – pasta, etc…)
4) Getting the child distracted:
A stubborn child focuses his whole attention on what he currently possesses, when this focus changes, his stubbornness disappears, and he goes to take other things… a smart behavior.
5) Postponing the result now:
There are behaviors that can be postponed by the parents, as it is not necessary to solve everything now at this moment. Insistence does not solve the issue now as long as the child is sticking to his opinion… Give a little ignorance and then gradually the child’s desires could be changed.
prepared by MR. Ali Alsultan