Solutions for stubborn children

Professor of behavioural psychology at the American University in Cairo, Dr Abdul Sattar Ibrahim, shares his observations on the most effective ways to deal with stubborn children. Dr Abdul told Arabstoday: “Every parent has suffered the wrath of a stubborn and inflexible child at some point. But constantly digging one’s heels in and showing a lack of compassion is insensitive and if it isn’t tackled effectively, can become ingrained in the child’s behaviour and stay with it long in to adulthood.” He elaborated, “Children can see stubbornness as a solution to their problems and often the parent will comply with the child and meets any demands immediately, which is very wrong.” Here are the things Dr Abdul recommends you can do as a parent: - avoid pampering your child and meeting all demands without any debate. It may seem a hassle in the short term, but will ultimately lessen your burden. - avoid giving special treatment to the youngest child. - avoid physical punishment when the child does make a mistake. Instead, explain what the child has done wrong and how it can do better next time. - don’t comply immediately with your child’s request even if he or she cries or screams. You must not give attention to such behavior so that the child knows it is not the proper method to get what it wants. - the child must get used to the idea that talking sensibly is the best way to get what it wants.  If a child is softly spoken and polite, talk to it and try to find a solution to the problem.