Sarah Biren

Sarah Biren

January 10, 2024

Studies Say Stubborn Children Are More Likely To Turn Into Successful Adults

Are you at your wit’s end with a stubborn and defiant kid? Well fret no more, there is a silver lining to your kid’s delightful character trait.  Delightful, you ask? Yes, your kid’s defiant behavior is shown to be an early predictor of future financial success. That’s right, rule-breaking and defiance of parental authority suggest your kid will grow up to have deep pockets.  Next time you attempt to put your kid to bed or have them clean their room and they mock your futile efforts, just think ka-ching.

Stubborn And Defiant Kids Make Wealthy Adults

In a decades-long study that began in 1968 evaluated kids aged 8-12  and examined various student characteristics. The MAGRIP study as it was called, was conducted over a 40 year period and concluded in 2008.  Among the characteristics studied were inattentiveness, impatience, a sense of inferiority, responsibility, pessimism, and of course rule breaking and defiance of parental authority. The study revealed the characteristics of rule-breaking and defiance were a precursor to a high level of financial income.  Theories suggest these kids will be more willing to fight for their aims, and best interests and will be more demanding at critical junctures of their lives, like when negotiating salaries.

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6 Tips For Handling Stubborn And Defiant Kids

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Perhaps future thoughts of your defiant kid’s wealth just aren’t cutting it.  Likely, you still aim to have your kid recognize your authority and grow into a cooperative, well-behaved individual.  Here are some steps to help you reach that goal.

1- First, Stay Calm

Raising your voice or losing your cool with an unruly kid will only escalate the situation.  Step back, take a deep breath, and come up with a game plan.  Your end goal here is a purposeful resolution.  Once you’re feeling calm, cool, and collected put the plan into action, start by hearing them out, and then counter with a quick jab, or maybe just some sound logic.

2- Listen To Them

Loving mother consoling or trying make peace with insulted upset stubborn kid daughter avoiding talk, sad sulky resentful girl pouting ignoring caring mom embracing showing support to offended child
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Hear them out, the way you want to be heard.  Inside their slack and ranting, they may be identifying a concern or issue that is halting progress.  Address the issue, and sail on into the sunset.

3- Do, Establish A Connection. Don’t, Impose Your Will

Stubborn little girl scream loud not listening to strict mom, serious young mother scold shouting daughter for bad behavior, working mommy lecture kid yelling asking attention. Family conflict concept
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Often, we may feel inclined to overpower a defiant child.  However, doing this will undoubtedly lead to resentment and further problems.  Instead, connect with your child and disarm their desire to rebel.  Show them that you too struggle with putting back the broccoli, but with grit and determination, you can do it.

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4- Wheel And Deal

Head shot unhappy small child girl sitting at table with worrying mother, sharing school problems. Compassionate caring attentive mommy having trustful conversation with unhappy offended daughter.
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Making small allowances is a good way to get a lot of results.  Suppose your kid is dissatisfied with their bedtime.  Offer to read them 1 more book, or 5 more minutes to watch tv.  The hard line doesn’t always work, be willing to flex a little and you’ll both benefit.

5- Lead By Example

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Children naturally follow suit with what they see from their parents.  Whether you cooperate or are defiant with your partner, your kid is likely to emulate your behavior.  Show your kid that you are understanding, willing to negotiate, and be open-minded and they will return the treatment in kind.

6- It’s Nice To Have Options

Avoid putting your kid in a corner, provide options.  Telling your kid they have to eat “now” can make your kid feel trapped and they may feel the need to rebel.  Try saying, do you want to eat now or after your program?  Providing your kid with options gives them a sense that you’re considering their interests.  They may not express it but they will appreciate the gesture, and you’ll all live happily ever after.

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