Strong Willed Child

My musings for the day.  When my firstborn was a preschooler, I was under the very mistaken impression that I had a strong willed child.  I guess it's just because it's hard being a mom - especially a first time mom.  So, I thought I had it hard.  I did start to realize, however, that he wasn't really strong willed.  He just had a mind of his own.

Now, when my fourth child (who shall remain nameless, but her name is spelled H-A-N-N-A-H) was born, I found out what a strong willed child really is.  She defied me over and over again, even as a baby.  I could go on and on about her strong willed tendencies, but that is not the point of today's musings.  Let's just say discipline was never-ending and thoroughly exhausting.  But I knew I had to be consistent because that is the number one key to discipline.  For years she completely exhausted me.  Then, I remember, at about age 3 1/2 I realized that our discipline was paying off.  I could actually turn my back on her, or (gasp!) let someone else watch her without thinking she was gouing to destroy the world.  I could actually see how her strong willed tendencies could be personality strengths if used in the right way.  (And I see that even more today.)

Fast forward to child #6 (who shall also remain nameless, but his name is spelled E-L-I-J-A-H).   God blessed me with another strong willed child.  Whew!  God must have a lot of faith in me. Either that or He knows I have to rely on him more when I have a strong willed child.  But this cute little guy is pretty much a repeat of Hannah, although very slightly less extreme.  One of the things I regularly tell him is, "You are not in charge."  And very slowly he is understanding that concept.  

But see, this is what brought up these musings in the first place.  He is 3 1/2.  And I finally feel like I can have fun with and enjoy him as much or more than I discipline him.  3 1/2 years of consistent (well, mostly consistent) discipline and follow-through have finally paid off.  I sent him off fishing with Uncle Taco, Hannah and Lucas and I don't have to worry that he will be (very) defiant or fall off the end of the pier.  

So, I'm figuring that's the formula.  For a strong willed child, 3 1/2 years of consistent discipline and follow through and then I can finally take a deep breath and enjoy the fruit of my labor.  Of course, now that I've put that in writing, God will probably send me another blessing to blow that formula out of the water!