Comments on: The Best Mindset for Parenting a Strong-Willed, Highly Emotional Child https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/ Raising emotionally healthy children who will live their BEST life.. Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:39:25 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Dianne https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-14962 Fri, 20 May 2022 04:16:02 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-14962 In reply to Stacey.

Hi Stacey,
The older of my 2 boys was like that. He was bored in primary school and I could have given him an Encyclopaedia to answer his constant questions. He’s nearly 52 and brilliant, loving and successful in his life and a joy!

]]> By: Jodie https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-10151 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 06:14:11 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-10151 This post moved me to tears. Just what I needed. Thank you so much. I am constantly at my wits’ end with me eldest daughter (6yo) This article gives me a solution, I just hope I can become more consistent with it. Thank you.

]]> By: Mimi https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-9618 Sat, 08 May 2021 00:17:44 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-9618 My 3-year-old grandson lives with us and is this child as well. I take care of him virtually 24/7. His mother lives with us too but spends little time with him. Guessing that the combination of age 65 and not being his mom, I am mentally exhausted and feel like I’m getting burned out. It helps that his uncle, my firstborn (now 37) was similar in intensity so it’s not exactly new to me. Trying to figure out how to get some breaks.

]]> By: Nina https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8932 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:40:56 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8932 In reply to Keri.

I have just found this article in a moment of despair. Our 3 and a half year old is a handful to say the least. We can’t get her to sleep, get her up and dressed for nursery or a day out, she yells at us for sweets… Every little act of the day is a battle and sometimes I’m ashamed to say I lose it and yell at her which doesn’t help either of us. I’m trying really hard to accept this is just who she is and her strong will and determination will make her a force to be reckoned with in adulthood, for now I just have to find a more peaceful way through each day. I’m glad to see I’m not alone though.

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8613 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:30:39 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8613 In reply to Liz.

I hear you mama. Sending hugs and strength your way!

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8612 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:29:57 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8612 In reply to Michelle.

It’s ok that it is really hard some days- no shame in admitting this! In fact we need to honor our emotions and where we’re at first and foremost, and then shift to more positive and productive thinking from there. If you continue to guide her with as much patience and respect as you are able, she will learn to keep her natural strengths and learn to use self-control out in the world when necessary, without losing her confidence or connection with you:)

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8611 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:27:02 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8611 In reply to Lubna.

I’m so glad the article was impactful for you:) How you think about your child (and their behaviors) has a huge impact on how you experience parenting and your child. I truly believe that instead of viewing these challenges as suffering, they are best looked at as opportunities/callings to learn and grow into a more aware human and parent. I hope you continue to appreciate and nurture your son’s natural temperament while also working with him on positive ways to communicate and cope with big emotions. :)Angela

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8610 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:24:31 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8610 In reply to Andrea Conn.

So glad it was helpful, thanks so much for reading! Angela

]]> By: Lubna https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-8574 Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:11:55 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-8574 I broke in tears when you spoke about how strong they will grow to be because honestly that was my fear, to continue suffering with him and see him destroying his life and be foolish boy and your words just woke me up that it doesnt mean that he is strong character that he will be a fool and i need to stay grounded and not get going with the fears .. thank you so much that was very authentic article .. keep that up you saved me and my son

]]> By: Andrea Conn https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-5830 Tue, 11 Aug 2020 03:19:00 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-5830 My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD. looking for resources to help myself get ready so I can support him fully. Very good read. Thank you for this!

]]> By: Fariha https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-3811 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:01:33 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-3811 In reply to Angela Pruess.

Wow yes my eldest was exactly like that when he was a baby or toddler or even now that he is 15 years old ..

]]> By: Michelle https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-3798 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 00:09:33 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-3798 I too have a picture just like that of my daughter face first in her 1st birthday cake. She also would run towards roads, or water or the open edge of the play fort… now 10, she climbs…trees, poles, roofs etc. It requires a lot of strength to watch her go above and beyond in more ways than one…not that I have much choice! I want so much to be able to accept she is. Intense, determined, passionate. Some days I am proud of her strong nature but some days, it is very hard to do and I can’t help but wish things were easier.

]]> By: Liz https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-2908 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 03:04:42 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-2908 Wow, I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Everyday and every outing is a struggle with my now 5 year old. Sometimes I refrain from going to public places where I know he will run free without a worry in the world among hundreds of strangers. It’s tough but trying to somehow accept it and help him without not going into panic mode. Today was a hard one ?

]]> By: Kristy https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-2495 Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:56:47 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-2495 Ahh finally a post that reflects all my exact thoughts. I am feeling particularly defeated after my husband and I both wanted to join bowling teams. Our friends had convinced us, but our first words to each other were, “how is this going to work”? Well, we attempted it. After a full water cup thrown, head bang against the ground, and multiple meltdowns and bloody murder screams, I know we can keep this up for seven months. I look over at my neighbors daughter (also almost two) and she is drawing on her magnetic pad completely happy the WHOLE THREE HOURS. Unbeknownst to me you play three games in a bowling league every Sunday night ?. I have accepted that he is one of the most intense children out there and a lot has to be different for us. I love this post and agree with everything you said! My struggle is judgment from other parents who say just try this or that.. when I know they just don’t understand. I’m trying to get there though and try to know that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, our journey is different. He has been like this truly since the day he was born!! It’s pretty crazy to think about. He will be two in November and my motto is always, “one day at a time”- sometimes the hour or minute. I love him so much for all that makes him unique, even when it is hard, even when every day feels like a struggle sometimes. I hold onto the good days and moments!

Just read the last post- sounds so similar to my child! It’s just so nice knowing other parents are out there!

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-735 Tue, 22 May 2018 15:55:39 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-735 In reply to Katherine Rack.

The safety issues are certainly a major concern in the younger years…and it is SO exhausting! Hang in there! What a gift those kids have in caregivers that accept them for exactly who they are:).

]]> By: Angela Pruess https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-734 Tue, 22 May 2018 15:53:31 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-734 In reply to Mel.

Love this- thanks for sharing your story full of much wisdom:).

]]> By: Mel https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-722 Wed, 16 May 2018 19:06:06 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-722 I can totally relate to this!
My oldest son is and always has been so easy. He’s calm, down to earth, and mature. He brings me peace. He is 14 now and I have never had any problems with him.
My younger one is my strong-willed, intense child. He is absolutely exhausting. He is almost 5. He is really funny, so adorable, and super smart but he does not stop talking, moving, yelling, and defying me. Everything I say, he says the opposite. He gets upset easily and everyone will know it! It’s so frustrating because I am constantly judged because everyone thinks he is “bad” and has some kind of advice for me. I sometimes feel defeated and like I’m doing everything wrong. Yet I Know this little guy is going to be a strong leader and do amazing things. As long as he can be guided in a good direction. Yes it is hard raising him but it is so so worth it. He has taught me so much about myself and about life, and that it’s ok to just let things go. He has taught me patience that I never knew I had in me. Lol
I love both of my kids so much and am doing the best I can like every other mother out there. I absolutely agree that it gets easier when you just accept and embrace that this is who they are, and they are amazing!

]]> By: Katherine Rack https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-717 Fri, 11 May 2018 10:12:32 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-717 I have known much of this in my heart, but it is so reassuring to know that accepting this unbelievable energy in some children is possible! My daughter and I are raising her 4 year old triplet boys and our days are exhausting! I love each of their unique personalities, but they are all intense and strong willed! Now that summer is upon us, keeping them safe in parks, at the zoo, even our own yard, is a major undertaking! The moment they fall asleep, I do too! This 67 year old grandma needs lots of energy to keep up with my little loves!

]]> By: Scarlett https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-708 Sun, 06 May 2018 10:41:41 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-708 Thanks so much for this article. It’s so useful to be reminded that other kids just aren’t like ours, it’s not because we are doing something wrong or differently. Other mums don’t get to have a detailed conversation about the Big Bang and the origin of life before breakfast with their six year old and I’m happy for the trade off. I did go to a party with “normal” children though the other day and thought, I’d it my unconventional parenting or was she born this way? Bit of both maybe but I wouldn’t change it for a second, I just need to start a YouTube channel;-)

]]> By: Amy https://parentswithconfidence.com/the-best-parent-mindset-for-raising-a-difficult-child/#comment-703 Thu, 03 May 2018 03:57:58 +0000 https://parentswithconfidence.com/?p=1416#comment-703 Angela,
We always gravitate towards your articles and now I know why. This is SO my experience with my 2strong-willed boys. I spent the first few years being jealous of those parents with “easy” kids. Now, like your article, I focus on helping my kids use their temperament to their advantage. It’s still hard but the mindset change does help. Thanks!

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