Stubborn and Rebellious Children Are More Likely to Be Successful in the Future, According to a Study

Stubborn children can be a nightmare. Sometimes we don’t understand why they disobey us and misbehave. We don’t know the reasons that encourage them to challenge our authority and some of their actions even make us think we are bad parents. But don’t worry too much, there is something positive in all this because, according to research conducted by ResearchGate, the most stubborn and rebellious children are more likely to become successful adults in the future.

We at Bright Side compiled the results of this study so that you can understand what’s behind the rebellious behavior of your children.

What science says about rebellious children

When children begin to study, we believe that they have to fulfill certain expectations, like getting good grades, having excellent behavior, and being obedient, respectful, and calm in order to have a promising future. This study, which has compiled information since 1968, was originally based on an analysis of the behavior of about 3,000 children between 8 and 12 years old, and it includes intelligence, educational measures, aspirations, socioeconomic status, family background, and a questionnaire about school and daily activities, feelings, thoughts, and habits of the students.

After more than 40 years of follow-up, the study showed that the children who usually defied authority had a tendency to question the things that happen around them and to think beyond the limits that were established for them. This gives them some creative advantage when it comes to new ideas or a business launch. Those who were considered rebels, disobedient, aggressive, and stubborn were able to place themselves in important positions within the workplace, earning more money than those who had better grades and were more disciplined during their childhood.

Intelligence, responsibility, and commitment are important.

The characteristics and behavior of students play a significant role. Success goes beyond having good cognitive resources and being part of a rich, upper-class family. The quality of professional and academic training, in addition to the interest and responsibility that the child develops throughout their life, are determining factors they use in order to achieve career and economic success.

According to the variables that were analyzed, it was determined that the success of rebellious children in their adulthood may be the result of their selfishness and their ability to put their own interests first. Because they don’t comply with the rules imposed on them, they become experts when negotiating and defending the salary they want, and their nonconformity always leads them to look for the most attractive and favorable option for themselves.

What was considered disobedient behavior 50 years ago has nothing to do with what it is today, and the success of rebellious children could have another explanation.

The lifestyle that existed many years ago probably doesn’t have much resemblance to our current way of life. On the other hand, it’s possible that in some of the cases, the people who were rebellious children didn’t reach success in the most ethical way or maybe they were not very applied in their studies and had to spend more time in school. If they spent more time in school, this could’ve increased the possibility for them to absorb the knowledge needed to go to college and made them more aware of what they wanted for their future. If your child is rebellious or stubborn, you should not get too anxious, because there is a possibility that your child will become a very successful adult.

What do you think of this discovery? Do you think that childhood behavior can determine a child’s future? How rebellious were you as a child? We would love to read your answers in the comments.