By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
What if your child absolutely refuses to do what you ask him to do, no matter how much you cajole, threaten or discipline?
You can direct, encourage, inspire and motivate your child to do what you want, but you can't actually MAKE him do what you want. Strong-willed children in particular will bring this point home again and again. But don't despair: over the course of twenty developmental years your child will learn most of what you're trying to convey. And if he rejects some of your offerings, that's because he's on his own journey and simply has to work things out in his own way, on his own schedule.
Does anyone really understand what you go through? Always running, never resting, yes you're tired, anxious, wired; always trying, sometimes failing, wishing it could be smooth sailing. They need you badly right away, to make them happy there's no way. Too much to do, too little time, too few arms, the constant whine. And yet this is the height of love, your purpose here and above. You climb that mountain every day, so pat yourself and proudly say: I am a Parent, yes it's true; it's what I am and what I do.
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