Daily Archives: February 12, 2009

Throughout the past two years I’ve shared a lot on this blog about Zach’s temperament and our struggles in parenting him. Call him spirited, strong-willed, bull-headed, determined … whatever you want. They all mean the same thing. The kid knows what he wants and is never easily deterred.

I’ve struggled to explain our situation to people who haven’t experienced it. They have never known a child quite like him and they only see us and our son for snippets of time. Too often friends, family and strangers give me a “look” then freely pass judgment and advice. “He lacks discipline.” “You’re not spanking often or hard enough.” ”You’re neglecting his emotional needs; that’s why he acts this way.” None of these are true, but it’s nearly impossible to persuade someone of this once they’ve made up their minds. And trying only takes me away from the issues at hand (a.k.a. Zach).

Kendra Smiley’s newest book offers a perfect solution. I may stock up just so I can distribute them to these unbelieving persons. “You know, maybe you can help! Read this book, then get back to me.”

Journey of a Strong-Willed Child is not an exhaustive study of temperaments and strong-willed children or how to parent them. Rather, it’s more of an introduction, an affirmation that we’re not alone and, yes, some kids are more difficult to parent than others. I think it’s a fabulous tool for getting others “on board.” At just 130 pages, the book can be read in an afternoon. (Okay, not a regular afternoon with kids, but maybe a Sunday afternoon when the kids are watching sports with Daddy.) Conversational in nature, the text offers excellent, but simple explanations of what Read the rest of this entry →