Living With a Strong-Willed Childنموونە

Day 1: The Challenge of Raising a Strong-Willed Child

by James C. Dobson, Ph.D.

Let's begin by acknowledging that rearing boys and girls can be a difficult assignment, especially today when the culture is battling mightily with parents for the hearts and minds of their kids. To bring them up properly requires the wisdom of Solomon and the determination of an Olympic champion. Admittedly, the job looks much easier than it is in reality.

Overconfident parents, particularly those who are new to the responsibility, remind me of a man watching the game of golf for the first time. He thinks, "This is going to be simple. All you have to do is hit that little white ball out there in the direction of the flag." He then steps up to the tee, draws back his club, and dribbles the "little white ball" about nine feet to the left. "Maybe," he says to himself, "I ought to swing harder. That's what a pro golfer does." But the more he hacks at the ball, the farther into the rough he goes.

So it is with child-rearing. There are sand traps and obstacles everywhere for parents who are blessed with strong-willed kids. What those moms and dads need is a well-designed "game plan" for the inevitable challenges they will face at home. Without such a plan, they will find themselves muddling through by trial and error.

Just between you and God:

Wise parenting begins with the humility to ask for help when you need it. You've taken the first step by participating in this series. Ask the Lord to give you direction in the coming days to see where you have strayed from His path in leading your kids and how to improve in your role as a parent.

As you develop a plan of action, be willing to allow God's Word to change your heart and mind about what is right and appropriate in your home. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to areas where you might be holding back in your parenting.

Pray these words:

Heavenly Father, as I begin this journey in learning how to become better equipped as a parent, help me to see Your plan for my children through the Scriptures. Remind me to pray for my kids daily and to remember that they belong to You. You have given them to me to steward and discipline. Help me to do so according to Your wisdom. Amen.

From Dr. James Dobson's book, The New Strong-Willed Child

Bonus Content: Watch Dr. James Dobson's video, "Parents of Rebels"