Personality Opportunities

One thing I have come to realize is that no how many children I have not a single one of them with have the same personality. It sounds like such an obvious statement, but living with it and embracing it can often be more than challenging.

I have a couple of children who are just easier to deal with than the others. They are easy going, for the most part and are easily pleased and entertained. I also have a couple who make me wonder some days what I was thinking becoming a parent- haha. It's for those couple that I'm writing this.

As parents we have to be the ones who can change hats quickly and be for each of our children what they need. Sometimes that really means doing things you don't want to do. There are times that I have no desire to paint nails but for one of my girls who often DEMANDS more attention its a 'special' way to hang out with her.

I have decided to look for these opportunities and really consider them opportunities for me to grow and mature rather than personality challenges. So today find that child that some (even you) might consider your challenge give them a big hug and do something fun with just them. And retrain your brain they are no longer your challenge but your opportunity to grow. God never gives us more than we can handle and there is a reason that he picked you to be the parent of that child. Remember sometimes when they are acting out they are really looking for some attention. You can not ignore the inappropriate behavior but train yourself to deal with it and let it go.

Often times as parents we feel as though we are dealing with the same things over and over again and we get frustrated and then hold onto past mistakes. When we are holding onto past mistakes whether they are our own parenting mistakes or the mistakes of our children it does nothing to promote growth in either of us. Let the past go. We are our kids first example of God; do we want to teach them that God never really forgives or lets things go? I have found that things are just better when I say less. I try not to use phrases like 'You always do that' or 'When are you going to'. They just remind the child of past failures. Speak over them what you want to see even if its not what you are seeing now. I even have my kids speak it over themselves. Teach them to repent and more on.

I've come to find that so much of parenting comes down to us (the adults) changing our reaction and improving than it does the children. Often the things you see in your child that make you feel crazy are things that you need to work on in yourself.

Be encouraged all these phases and stages will pass. Be the best you can be and watch the improvement in your child. Never hesitate to talk to God about it! He made both you and them who better to ask about how to reach that child or for ideas for 'special' time. And remember He that started a good work in you (and your child) is more than faithful to finish it.