Tips for Parenting a Dominant Child

If you have more than one child, it probably didn't take you very long to realize that they respond differently to different things... including parenting styles. Each child has a set of needs based on their dominant personality blend. This article will give you insights into the Dominant "D" child. I hope to empower you to change your relationship for the better if you are regularly interacting with a "D" child. Let's just jump right in! The "D" child has three basic needs: choices, challenge, and control. Have you ever noticed when you tell your "D" child to do something, that they tend to immediately have a tantrum or start complaining? That's because.... when you tell a "D" type to do something, they didn't even hear what you said. All they heard was "Do you want to fight?" This personality has no trouble stirring things up a bit. They are very comfortable with conflict and that doesn't go away in the little "D"s just because they are younger. Instead of telling them what to do, what if you used one of their basic needs to get what you want. For example, you need them to do their homework and clean their room before dinner.

Choice approach: Do you want to do your homework first or clean your room first?

Challenge approach: Let's see if you can get your room cleaned within 10 minutes.

Control: You can clean your room whenever you want today, as long as it's done before you go to bed.

You would be AMAZED how much of a difference this makes when interacting with your children. If you are meeting their basic needs they WILL respond in a positive manner. I have had the fortune of many parents sharing their success stories with me. The one that sticks out the most was a parent who was having trouble getting their child to take a shower. I'm sure this is the ONLY parent that has ever had this issue, but I'll share the story anyway! They decide to try the "challenge approach" and it went something like this: "I bet you can't take a shower faster than you took one last time". They said their child was naked before they even finished the sentence! That's what I call positive results!!

I hope this gives you greater insights into the "D" children in your life. Whether you are a parent, teacher, care giver, nurse, etc. you CAN improve your interactions with the Dominant "D" child if you will just take a few seconds to meet their personality needs!

Angel Tucker

Expert Personality Profiler

Mom of 5