Parenting through the Pride

Toddlers are full of surprises. One minute they’re snuggling in your lap, and the next they’re shouting, “I do it MYSELF!” with all the confidence (and none of the skill) of a mini CEO.

Sound familiar?

What we’re often seeing in those moments is pride—that strong desire for independence, control, and being “right.” And while some of that is developmentally normal (and even healthy!), it can also turn into a heart posture that needs gentle correction.

Pride in toddlers doesn’t always look like arrogance—it can show up in tantrums when they don’t get their way, refusing help, acting like they know better, or even trying to control others.

But here's the good news: God’s Word doesn’t just address pride—it shows us how to parent through it with grace, wisdom, and truth.

1. How Do I Spot Pride in My Toddler?

Pride can be sneaky in little ones. It often shows up as:

• Insisting on their way—even when it’s clearly not working

• Refusing correction or help

• Boasting (“I’m the best!” or “I don’t need you!”)

• Bossing siblings or peers around

Sound like anyone you know? (And if we're honest… sometimes it sounds like us too, right?)

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18

Toddlers don’t have the maturity to see where their pride might be leading. That’s where we come in—not just to stop the behavior, but to shepherd their hearts.

Our job isn’t just to manage the moment—it’s to plant seeds of humility that will grow with them for life.

2. How Do I Respond When My Toddler Refuses Help or Instruction?

That independent streak might be strong—but toddlers need guidance. Still, we want to balance correction with compassion.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” — Proverbs 11:2

Instead of jumping straight to, “Stop that right now,” try:

• “I love that you want to try. Let’s do it together so you can learn.”

• “It’s okay to need help—everyone does sometimes. Even Mommy.”

• “Let’s ask God for patience and wisdom while we work through this.”

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” — James 4:6

When you gently redirect their heart, you’re teaching them that needing others—and relying on God—isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

3. What Do I Do When My Toddler Boasts or Brags?

Boasting is a pride flag waving high. It might be playful, or it might be used to put others down. Either way, it’s a chance to teach truth:

• Our gifts come from God.

• Being “better” than someone else isn’t the goal.

• We’re called to celebrate others, not compete with them.

“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth.” — Proverbs 27:2

When your toddler brags, instead of shaming, try something like:

• “Wow, you’re really excited about what you did! Let’s thank God for helping you.”

• “That was awesome—can you think of something your brother did well too?”

These tiny redirections teach them how to celebrate wins without making it all about them.

4. How Do I Handle Power Struggles Rooted in Pride?

When toddlers demand to be in charge, it’s tempting to go into full drill sergeant mode. But the goal isn’t to crush their will—it’s to shape it.

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12

Toddlers thrive with structure and consistent boundaries. When pride pushes against those boundaries, stay calm but firm.

• “I see you want to be in charge. Right now, Mommy is in charge because that’s what’s best and safest.”

• “You can choose between these two options. I’ll help you if you need it.”

Pride often comes from a need for control. Offering limited choices gives toddlers some healthy autonomy while still teaching them to submit to authority.

And remember—pride is part of our flesh, too. Let these moments humble us as parents, and push us closer to God for patience and clarity.

5. How Can I Teach Humility to My Toddler?

Humility isn’t just about thinking less of yourself—it’s about thinking of yourself less. Toddlers won’t get that all at once, but they can start learning what it looks like through:

• Serving others (sharing, helping clean up, encouraging siblings)

• Giving thanks to God for their strengths

• Admitting when they’re wrong

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3

Pray with them. Let them hear you say, “God, thank You for helping me today. Please help me stay humble and kind.”

The more they see humility lived out, the more they’ll understand that it’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.

6. What If I Struggle with Pride in My Own Parenting?

Let’s be real—sometimes our child’s pride pushes our own buttons. We want to be right. We want control. We want obedience now.

But God is gently parenting us, too.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” — Psalm 25:9

If pride shows up in your parenting (snapping when you’re challenged, needing to “win,” or being slow to apologize), bring it to the Lord. He’s so patient with you.

And when you mess up? Let your toddler see you admit it. Say, “I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I’m sorry. God is helping me learn too.”

That kind of humility? It sticks with them more than any lecture ever could.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

Pride is part of the human heart—even in our littlest ones. But through God’s Word, our daily modeling, and the Holy Spirit’s help, we can teach our toddlers a better way:

A life marked by humility, grace, and trust in the One who made them.

Stay faithful. Keep planting seeds. God is doing a good work—both in your child’s heart and in yours. 💛