Raising
strong-willed children can make you want to run away from home at times. Both
my kids were typical strong-willed children whose endless litany of “whys” would
have tried the patience of Job and whose tireless arguments could outwit a
lawyer and wear down a judge.
Strong
-willed kids move at their own pace. As a kindergartener, Seth took an hour to
eat half a sandwich and as a teen, Erin needed two hours to get her make-up on—all
while my husband and I chomped at the bit to GET MOVING!!!
Strong-willed
children like to make their own rules and often ignore warnings they don’t want
to hear. These characteristics certainly made for some stormy times with our
kids over the years. By the grace and guidance of God, we all survived those
growing pains with no one being arrested.J
But the
truth is, I wouldn’t want our kids to be any other way.
God has
coalesced and congealed those strong-willed traits that challenged my husband
and I while raising our kids, into admirable, enviable qualities in our son and
daughter. Seth and Erin have become responsible, independent, caring adults.
They step up to the plate and do whatever needs done—even when what needs done is
difficult or unpleasant. They make the hard decisions, they brave the backlash
of going against what’s popular, and they know what needs to take priority in
life. Their backbone of faith in God guides and comforts them. I thank the LORD
that they are resourceful, courageous, and compassionate individuals—and I couldn’t
be prouder of them.
Are you raising a strong-willed child and wondering at times, Can a parent run away from home? Be
encouraged. God created your child with His purposes in mind. (Ephesian 2:10) He
has wonderful, prosperous plans for your budding philosopher, amateur lawyer
and pint-sized arbitrator. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Be
encouraged!
Pam
©2017 Pamela D. Williams
