the consequence if there’s a significant time gap between their behavior and the disciplinary action. If children are asked to clean their room and refuse to follow through, waiting a day to administer a consequence reduces the chances of completing the assigned task. They lose motivation to cooperate when they realize there’s no immediate consequence. Specific deadlines and expectations will prevent miscommunication. Strong-willed children may sound argumentative, but they possess a strong need to understand why they receive consequences. Instead of saying they need to mental meltdowns for both parent and child. Some children are naturally born pleasers. They crave acceptance and fear disapproval. Strongwilled children, however, may be perceived as difficult, stubborn, and argumentative. These children may be rebellious when all they crave is to be heard, understood, and never judged. They speak their mind, which is often mistaken for being disrespectful. Misunderstood or Misjudged? According to the Child Mind Institute, children are less likely to understand the connection between their misbehavior and 64 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2025 A calm-down space helps children regulate their emotions in a healthy, constructive way. “If they actively participate in choosing the consequences, they may gain a better understanding of their choices.”
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