Strong-willed kids are bold, brilliant and, let’s be honest, relentless.

They constantly push back, and it’s easy as a parent to get pulled into the vortex of being right, right?! However, underneath all that intensity, our strong-willed children are often big feelers. Their bold exterior hides a fragile heart.

Strong-Willed Child: Less conflict, more cooperation online course will help you understand what’s really going on beneath their stubborn streak – and parent with confidence. Jenny teaches you how to get onside with your strong-willed one and shape a day-to-day that’s not filled with fight. If you’re tired of the daily battles, let’s change the game plan.

What will you learn?

    1. Overview

    2. Where are you at?

    1. Video: What is a strong-willed child?

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links

    1. Video: Taking care of ourselves as parents

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Video: Looking below the surface

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links and downloads

    1. Video: Building connection and affection

    2. Your workbook

    3. Links

    1. Video: Calming the storm – Part 1

    2. Video: Calming the storm – Part 2

    3. Your workbook

    4. Links and downloads

About the course

  • $40.00
  • 1h 10m
  • Downloadable resources
  • Online and at your own pace

Meet your instructor

Jenny Hale

Senior Parent Coach

Jenny Hale is a respected educator, public speaker, podcaster and author, and a leading parent coach at Parenting Place for over two decades. Her book, Kind, Firm, Calm: Simple Strategies to Transform Your Parenting is a must-read for any parent, providing proven tips and insights that cut straight to the heart of familiar parenting struggles. As well as co-hosting the Parents We’ve Met podcast and working one-on-one with parents, Jenny travels around New Zealand sharing her learnings, wisdom and hope with whānau through preschools, schools, churches and community organisations.

Friendly Answers, Quickly

Quick clarity for curious (and exhausted) parents.

  • Who is this course designed for?

    It’s designed for parents and caregivers raising children aged 2–12 years, but offers a lot of understanding even if you have a strong-willed one who’s a little older.

  • How do I know if my child is strong-willed – or just being a kid?

    All kids push back sometimes, especially in the toddler years. But strong-willed kids? They take it next level – and keep going well past age 5. Here are some signs:

    • They challenge instructions constantly (consequences don’t deter them)
    • Their emotions escalate fast and take a while to settle
    • They need to be in charge
    • Once they decide on something, they don’t let go
    • Every chat turns into a debate

    Learning how to work with your child, not against, can go a long way in supporting them and reducing those power struggles over the years.
  • What am I getting when I buy this course?

    You’re getting guidance from a Parent Coach who’s had 25 years' experience helping parents work through these same power struggles. Jenny Hale knows the behaviours and teaches you connection-based strategies and responses so you can get more cooperation:

    • Proven scripts and tools
    • In depth understanding of behaviours
    • Downloadable resources
    • Lifetime access to the course through the parenting Place app
  • How long will this course take me? 

    Learn in a little over an hour! There are 6 high quality videos, 5–8 minutes long to watch and a workbook to complete for each learning module. You set your own pace.

  • How much does the course cost? 

    It’s NZD $40 (well spent for your sanity!) – and there is a great discount available for Community Service Card holders – email to find out more. Jenny packs 25 years' of coaching experience into this course, offering many tips and tools that will help you take the battle out of interactions with your strong-willed one.

  • Do I need to complete the modules in a specific order?

    Ideally – the modules are layered to build your understanding. But equally you can watch as you want. There’s no deadline to complete, and you get unlimited access so you can refresh anytime.

  • Can I download content to watch offline?

    The course includes a downloadable Strong-Willed Child workbook that you can capture your notes and reflections in – as you go, or once you’ve reached the end of the course. Each section takes 3–5 minutes to complete. The course also includes helpful, downloadable talking ‘scripts’ to try at home. Video content, however, can’t be downloaded or accessed offline.

  • Can I view the course on my mobile phone?

    Absolutely, the course is designed for both desktop and mobile. You can also download ‘Parenting Place Learning Hub’ app for free from your App Store.

  • Is there any one-on-one support available?

    For technical support, you can find the answers here.

    For parenting issues, our coaches are always available to meet one-on-one and help with what’s going on in your whānau. You can book a session here.