Parenting strong-willed children

We use a great parenting resource called the Parent Project.  Here is a great quote from the book regarding strong-willed children.

"Generally speaking, strong-willed adolescents learn about life by trying it themselves. They do not accept parental input nor are they willing to use the mistakes of others as learning experiences for themselves. The frequently heard adolescent phrase, "It's OK; that wont happen to me," is especially true for this child. This is why just talking to the strong-willed child about unwanted behavior is generally ineffective. Their stubborn-ness, curiosity, lack of fear, and desire to experience things first-hand, usually mean they will do what they want, even when they know they are breaking the rules. Strong-willed children often engage in such behaviors quite impulsively."

Parent Project 2009 page 2