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AIBU?

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Original poster

She has a ‘Strong character’

142 replies

Meltinghere · 23/07/2021 15:42

The way my mum describes my Dd, 3.

What would you think is meant by this? Is it really just code for ‘Naughty and hard work’

OP posts:
Absofriginlutelyexhausted · 23/07/2021 16:59

She might mean it that way buy I'd say "good, I want her to be strong. " its a good thing, even though some don't think it is.

5foot5 · 23/07/2021 16:59

What would you think is meant by this? Is it really just code for ‘Naughty and hard work’

Well what do you think? Would that description be fair?

BusySittingDown · 23/07/2021 17:00

Nah - my DD2 has a "strong character" and she's so well behaved.

By "strong character" I mean that she never does anything that she doesn't want to do, she's not influenced by her peers. She's very enthusiastic and she shows initiative with things, she's very helpful. She sticks to her guns and marches to the beat of her own drum - isn't into things just because everyone else is iyswim. She's really quite shy but has lots of friends.

I'm sure your DD is not naughty OP! She just knows her own mind and that's a good thing. Smile

Blueskytoday06 · 23/07/2021 17:05

I have 2 girls with strong personalities. Just the way it should be.

ancientgran · 23/07/2021 17:07

@Biancadelrioisback

Urgh I hate this. People never describe little boys as having 'Strong Characters'.

TBH, to me it sounds like someone is trying to say your child is challenging and hard work but that may not be how the mean it. It would depend on the person who says it, how close you are and how critical you think they are I suppose?

Some people do. I'd say my GS and his sister both have strong characters.
TableFlowerss · 23/07/2021 17:16

To those saying it’s a compliment, it’s not really though is it? If you relate it to an adult, you wouldn’t describe someone as a ‘strong character’ that was amicable and easy going.

Difference is, at 3 (if that’s what your mum means above) she’ll grow out of it.

GreyhoundG1rl · 23/07/2021 17:17

Total nonsense that this is only ever directed at girls. Don't do that, when it's patently untrue...

Sssloou · 23/07/2021 17:17

My sister described my 4 DC as all having v strong characters.

It was not meant as a compliment - it was an indication of her frustration trying to tame their free spirits.

She has one Perfect Peter child who is Velcro-ed to the sofa.

I was v proud that they didn’t submit (readily) to her controlling ways.

They are all late teens now and tell funny stories about their tedious aunt.

GreyhoundG1rl · 23/07/2021 17:18

Oh, free spirits... Hmm

Turquoisesol · 23/07/2021 17:21

I am pretty sure I have heard people describe boys as strong characters. In fact my sons current class at school is said to have “quite a few strong characters in it” and it is all boys they are referring to

GlutenFreeGingerCake · 23/07/2021 17:21

To those saying it’s a compliment, it’s not really though is it? If you relate it to an adult, you wouldn’t describe someone as a ‘strong character’ that was amicable and easy going.
No but amicable and easy going are not the only good personality traits. I think we would like to have people around who are determined, brave,loyal and do the right thing even if it is not easy.

joystir59 · 23/07/2021 17:22

Girls need to be strong and street wise and for their mums to provide examples of strength and that they don't take any crap from boys or men.

Turquoisesol · 23/07/2021 17:23

I would consider it a compliment for a girl more so than for a boy. For boys it usually does mean naughty!!

GreyhoundG1rl · 23/07/2021 17:24

It's not a compliment for either.

1forAll74 · 23/07/2021 17:24

Feisty little girl, determined in her own way, will go far hopefully,

WhereYouLeftIt · 23/07/2021 17:26

I'd translate "strong character" to "stubborn".

Lovewinemorethanhusband · 23/07/2021 17:26

My 6 year old is a strong character , she's polite but knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it. She likes things to go her own way but understands that it always can't, my 2 year old however is a strong character that is rude, shouty and just demands things

Lovewinemorethanhusband · 23/07/2021 17:27

Pressed enter to soon, I love that they both know what they want and it will serve them well when they get a bit older

Blossomtoes · 23/07/2021 17:28

@Slipperfairy

Hmm. I have worked with people with 'strong characters '. They tend to be a bit....polarising.
They certainly do. My son and I are both Marmite. We both unambiguously say what we think, people either like us a lot or can’t stand the sight of us. Which is fine as everybody knows where they stand.
user1498572889 · 23/07/2021 17:29

It means she knows what she likes and doesn’t like and is not afraid to shout about it. I think this is a great thing and should be encouraged ❤️

thepeopleversuswork · 23/07/2021 17:31

What would you think is meant by this? Is it really just code for ‘Naughty and hard work

Strong character is definitely a compliment. Being naughty and hard work are not necessarily bad things. Particularly for a girl.

StrongLegs · 23/07/2021 17:34

I think a strong character is probably fine if the person also has good judgement. I think that one without the other can be tricky.

Mrsjayy · 23/07/2021 17:40

My DD is nearly 30 and was described as ",strongwilled' defiant etc etc as a toddler it did her just fine as an adult woman. People really mean your little girl is naughty non compliant. I think you should thank your mum for the strong character commentsWink and move on

RisingSunn · 23/07/2021 17:42

I have one of those 😂

I think it’s similar to when people used to say ‘Little Madam’

Summersnake · 23/07/2021 17:43

I’d assume it was a back handed compliment