508: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids Without Losing Your Cool

Last week, Karen talked about the temperaments. This week, she takes that conversation one step further by answering real questions from moms who are navigating strong-willed kids, harsh words, whining, and emotional outbursts. If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, I know their heart is sweet, so why is this coming out so sideways? this episode is for you. Karen shares practical wisdom for understanding your child’s wiring, correcting with grace, and helping them grow.

Episode Recap:

• Last week, we talked about blue and red temperaments (2:00)
• My blue/green son often comes across as critical and harsh (3:00)
• My rising Kindergartener is controlling and bossy and can be physical (7:23)
• My daughter used to love being the center of attention, now she’s self-conscious (12:25)
• What is the temperaments book you reference all the time? (16:05)
• Pick a “lane” when you take the temperaments test (18:57) 

Scripture: Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Which of my child’s behaviors may be connected to their temperament, and which ones need clear correction?
2. Do I tend to react to my child’s tone or behavior in a way that escalates things?
3. How can I better coach my child after the emotional moment has passed?
4. Where does my own temperament make parenting this child especially hard?
5. What would it look like to be more patient and intentional in helping this child grow over time?

Resources:

• Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insider
• Episodes featuring moms of different temperament colors: 330, 331, 332, 333
• Grab Personality Plus for Parents by Florence Littauer 
• Take the Colors Temperament Quiz today

Want More of This Conversation?

Wire Talk+ listeners get extended conversations every week! Today Karen delves deeper into how moms’ own temperaments affect the way they respond to their kids and gives a helpful rundown of the core needs of each temperament.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.