Yesterday was a very discouraging day for this mama. Jack woke up at 5:30 a.m. and refused to go back to bed. It seems that he truly woke up on the "wrong side of the bed". He was cranky and fussy all day long. He had no physical ailments that I could see, but he was throwing tantrum after tantrum all day long. Around 5:00 I finally called my friend, Laurie, for some advice. It seems that her first son was also what we would call "a strong-willed child". Her son is now 13, and although he is not perfect, I see definite qualities in him that are strong, positive, desirable qualities. He is a born leader. He is quick to make a decision and go with it. Kids his age and older follow his lead easily. All very good qualities. Laurie assured me that she had to discipline him consistently everyday no matter how tired, how discouraged, or how little she felt like doing it. It was a great encouragement to me, and at the same time, it was hard news to hear. Although I knew that it was the right answer, it is daunting to think that those wonderful qualities that Caleb possesses, and that Jack could very well someday possess, depend heavily upon my comittment to guiding him, my consistency in disciplining him, my patience with him, and my desire to do what is right no matter how I feel. Wow. What a responsibility. I'm not sure that I'm up to it. I just keep reminding myself that no trial is given to me by God that I am incapable of handling. No matter what Jack does, I know that I can handle it, because if I couldn't, then it wouldn't be happening! That IS a great comfort.
I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength! Phil. 4:13
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I'm right there with you Betty! Levi has been strong-willed from day one...and I have no idea where he could have gotten it from. Caleb and I are both so passive and easy-going :-) Anyway, we found with Levi that it goes in phases. He'd be great for a few months and then a couple of "pull my hair out and run away" days (or sometimes weeks). I would (and still do) call my friends and/or mother-in-law and they remind me of the same things Laurie reminded you! "What a great leader he will make some day! What a tool God will have to use to further His work! What potential! Keep at it - direct it - and above all...don't let him win!" Be encouraged b/c you are definitely not alone. God just has a special plan for Jack and He knew you were the perfect mommy to help get him there!
hang in there Betty!! You're getting good advice. He started walking which opened up more freedom to him. Now he's testing it. And, he's cutting teeth and he just doesn't feel right himself. Those things together are a difficult mix. Not every day will be as bad as the one you have experienced. Hang in there!! Love ya!
Betts - not sure if you are still "blue", but check out my blog...I posted a YouTube with a guy that looks like Pete! ha!
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