Rethinking Defiance: Harnessing Strong-Will as a Strength

Is your child’s “defiance” leaving you drained and second-guessing yourself? Are you feeling manipulated, controlled and lost about how to change the status quo? What if those daily battles were really signs of persistence, resilience, independence and creativity that are your child's strengths, just waiting to be guided? In this episode, we’ll reframe defiance and oppositional behaviors through a new lens—seeing the strengths behind strong-willed behavior and learning practical strategies to reduce power struggles, foster cooperation, and nurture independence. I'll guide you in shifting your perspective and seeing how a strength-based approach changes everything and, most importantly, empowers you with the skills you need to tackle those challenging moments. Together, we’ll discover how strong will, when supported, can become one of your child’s greatest assets.

BONUS with this episode! Grab your copy of the Strength-Based Guide to Strong-Willed Kids here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

You Can't Make Me But I Can Be Persuaded by Cythina Tobias

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish

Celebrate Calm Podcast with Kirk Martin