Comments on: Battle of the strong wills

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:17:51 +0000

Really, really beautiful. I have a strong-willed two year old, and experience many similar moments. You articulated the emotion so well!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:21:57 +0000

Beautiful words. Speaking for myself, I’ve been there. I had one of those strong willed children too. And, I was a strong willed mother. Not always a bad combo when it’s God based. Now, my SWC is one of my best buddies! You’ll make it and it will be FULL of hilarious memoires and you are NO way near a failure.

By: Julie H.

Julie H. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:02:09 +0000

Just know, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Then go watch a few episodes of “Super Nanny” or whatever that show is called that feature Jo from England. All I know is that after watching someone elses kids completely fall apart for a while, quite oddly, I feel better. Somehow I think as moms we get caught up thinking that we are the ONLY one who has “issues” with our kids. Truth be told, we all do. Unless you are a millionaire with ten nannies to care for your kids or if you are in denial. Take care, Julie

By: Jackie Sue

Jackie Sue — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:01:21 +0000

Yup. That’s the deal sister…loving the unlovely, right in our own homes and then counting on them to love us right back.

By: Renna

Renna — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:27:29 +0000

I HAD a Caroline, or at least a strong-willed child like her. Well, I still have her, but she’s now 24 and no longer a child.

It was at about the same age that my child’s tantrums began to be of such epic proportions that I knew I needed help. Actually, we (hubby and I) knew we needed help. I give God the credit for leading us to a book titled …

“Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours”.

I’d love to say it totally transformed our daughter overnight, but that would be a lie. It DID, however, help us alot in dealing with her, especially in regards to her temper tantrums. If you haven’t read it, I strongly suggest you give it a try. The author is Kevin Leman, a christian psychologist and author of many books.

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Children-without-Losing-Yours/dp/0800731050

By: edj

edj — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:26:19 +0000

I found that 5 was tough. It seems that every time they enter a new stage (i.e. 2, 5, 8, 11) they seem to go through a new phase of testing. It’s like they think, “I’m older now; I don’t have to listen to her anymore.”
Hang in there! You have to be firm. (Some days you won’t be; that’s okay. None of us are perfect) I whole-heartedly recommend “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” It’s EXCELLENT. And remember, you’re not alone. We all have days like that. I have two boys and one girl, and I find the girl the most difficult to parent–girls are devious, and manipulative. Boys are more straightforward–at least in my experience.

By: mk

mk — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:10:03 +0000

Regarding some earlier comments…there IS such a thing as a strong-willed child. And those of us who have them know exactly what I am talking about. It’s exhausting. Emotionally and physically. Mine is 3 1/2, and I look forward to the day that her little (actually, BIG!) strong will might be used to stand against peer pressure, to hold firm to her beliefs, and to remain faithful and true to the ones she loves.

A friend gave me some encouraging words regarding my daughter. She asked me, “Who would want a WEAK-willed child???”

Thank you for your honest post. It’s so nice to know we’re not alone. Somewhere, out there, someone else is struggling just as I am…

By: Mamalovelock

Mamalovelock — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:02:44 +0000

Totally understand how you feel.

I have considered purchasing that book on many occasions and after reading some of the comments, I think I will.

My daughter is seven and I am beginning to fear what our future holds. Drama, drama, drama.

Let’s all say a prayer together.

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:50:02 +0000

Thanks so much for your honesty, Melanie. I can’t tell you how many times a day I beat myself up over not being the best Mom and feeling like I have no idea what I’m doing. Your comment about P making you go to your separate corners made me laugh. I can relate. During a recent discussion with my children at the dinner table, my husband calmly told me that I “might need to excuse myself.”

By: Janet (aka JT)

Janet (aka JT) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:46:51 +0000

If I had a nickel for each time my hubby had to separate me from my oldest child, I’d have enough money stashed away to make sure all 4 had Ivy League educations. Since you only have one, you don’t have the benefit of being able to compare, but I think there is something about the oldest child that just drives a momma crazy. Because my son, my precious, dependable, rock-of-a-boy, Austin can push my buttons like no one on this green earth. Did I say “push?” Because I meant “P-U-S-H.” The other 3 kids don’t cause me to bat an eye, but Austin can make me go from my greatest Christian Mommy moment to spewing pea soup in 3 seconds flat. It’s a gift of his.

And the awful part? I was the oldest, and I KNOW BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT that I did it to my Mom. It was an uncontrollable urge I had to see her head spin ’round her neck every now and again. But as a teenager, for the most part, she was my closest friend.

You are an awesome Mom, Mel. And your relationship with Caroline will ONLY get BETTER. But, you know, she’ll always make you crazy from time to time.