Most parents have what they would consider a “difficult or challenging” child and another child or children who seem “easy” or we could say more “easy-going”. But in reality, the child your brain tries to tell you is easier is just one who is less likely to challenge you, your authority, your wishes, and your energy level, and thus may “appear” easier through less resistance.
Some children have a more laid-back, unruffled personality than others. But usually, the child we seem to clash with is the one whose personality is most like ours and thus we grind up against one another because only one of us can be in charge.
What we don’t often realize is that those who are the closest to us, who challenge us the most, (whether they are our child, sibling, parent, spouse, co-worker, or friend) and cause us to feel the most frustrated with, because our interaction with them will require the greatest change in OUR OWN HEARTS!
Our brains and flesh are so resistant to doing the work that having a peaceful, even joyful relationship with them will require. Why? Because relationships take WORK. Walking in love requires constantly putting down our flesh and seeking to be curious about the other person’s perspective (especially those who are the tiniest as we haven’t been tiny ourselves in quite some time).
Our brains are naturally wired to conserve energy, seek pleasure, and resist pain, so don’t fall into the pit of shame about not feeling excited yet about doing the work. But let me offer you a thought to get a shift in your mindset you may be needing today: What if those difficult ones are the exact prescribed work-out plan the Lord has intended for YOU to become the HIGHEST, MOST LOVING version of YOU who ever walked the earth? That’s something I can get excited about! Knowing that every bit of the struggle is WORKING FOR ME! How about you? ~Be Blessed, Jenny
P.S. If you want to get off the struggle-bus of parenting a challenging child, reach out today and I can explain exactly how I help Mamas to get back the JOY of MOTHERHOOD! Hit the COACH WITH ME link and let’s chat! FREEDOM is just ONE THOUGHT AWAY!
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~JENNY RIEFLIN MINISTRIES~ 