Hey there, mindful parents! In this post, we’re going to talk about how to be a positive parent for stubborn young adults. Every parent has gone through this stage of life when their child has grown up and become utterly stubborn! Indeed, they start to have strong onions, ideas and want to make decisions on their own. It’s normal, and it’s a part of becoming more independent. So, let’s look for some solutions on how to be a positive parent.

Why Are Young Adults Sometimes Stubborn?

We often wonder frustratedly, “Why don’t they listen?!” So, let’s understand the reason behind the stubbornness of young adults. Definitely, it’s not just to make your life difficult! Here are a few valid reasons:

1. Independence: As children grows up, they want to make their own choices and decisions. This can sometimes lead to stubbornness because they want to indicate their independence.
2. Testing Boundaries: Young adults often want to explore their strengths and weaknesses, which also involves pushing against the rules.
3. Strong Opinions: They are developing their own beliefs and ideas about the world. Indeed, they might feel strongly about something, which can make them less willing to listen to their parents.

Now that we understand why stubbornness can happen, let’s talk about how parents can be positive during these times.

What it means to be a Positive Parent?

 Being a positive parent doesn’t mean giving in to everything your young adult wants. It means being supportive, understanding, and helping them grow. When young adults misbehave, resist the urge to punish immediately, rather try and understand the purpose of their actions. Positive parenting is much more effective than punishment!

Here are some ways to do that:

1. Listen Actively: When your young adult talks, listen carefully. Ask questions and try to understand their point of view. This shows that you respect their opinions.
   

   “Listening is a superpower. Very few people know how to truly listen, and it’s one of the best gifts you can give someone.” – Ricky Martin

2. Establish rules: Responsible adults should give children specific responsibilities like taking out the trash or doing the dishes as this can make them feel empowered and less stubborn. Consistency with your rules is vitally important as it allows your authority to remain unquestioned by your child.
3. Negotiate and Compromise: Try to find a middle ground where both you and your young adult can be happy.
4. Be Kind: An aggressive temperament is wrong. It’s essential to remember that your child isn’t trying to provoke you intentionally. Hence, kindness is reciprocated and raises serotonin levels which can reduce crankiness and stress levels significantly.
5. Give Positive Reinforcement: Stubborn kids can be sensitive to how they’re treated and may interpret even gentle correction as harsh. Instead, focus on providing them with positive reinforcement. Small things, such as saying “you did a fantastic job today,” can add a lot of positivity and boost morale.
6. Encourage Independence: Make sure your child has ample opportunities to be independent. It can empower them and reduce stubborn behavior. For instance, let them select their own outfit for school or select which summer camp they would like to enroll.
7. Be Flexible: Teenagers experience physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that can prompt them to act in stubborn ways. Instead of shouting at them or making accusations against them, try talking to them directly. Keep in mind that their “stubbornness” may simply be their way of asserting independence and exploring their world.

Easy Tips for Being a Positive Parent

Now that we know why young adults can be stubborn and how to be a positive parent, let’s sum it up with some simple tips:

• Communication: Talk openly and honestly with your young adult about your issues and personal problems.
• Respect: Show respect for their opinions, even if you disagree. This helps them feel valued.
• Optimism: Focus on the positive outcome as the young minds are exploring themselves
• Trust: Trust your young adult to make good decisions and reciprocate your trust in them.
• Family Time: Spend quality time with your young adult as a family. Have dinner together and have a game night at least once a week! This strengthens your bond and makes them more likely to listen to your guidance.

Conclusion

Truly, stubborn adults may be difficult to manage, but it is important to remember they may simply have different views of life than us and are trying to express that through their behavior. Being a positive parent is quite difficult when put into practice, but it’s an important part of helping them grow into responsible and independent individuals. Remember that you were once a young adult too, and understanding their perspective can go a long way in building a strong parent-child relationship.

So, keep these tips in mind and push your young kids to be brilliant and smart adults! Your words of encouragement could make an incredible difference to their self-esteem and help shape them for years. You’ve got this! 😊