I learned in a book a long time ago that we tend to have the most trouble parenting the child that is most like us. Typically, first born parents struggle raising their first borns. Youngests have a hard time with fellow free-wheeling youngests. Etc.
Well. I’ve decided that in our family it’s temperament that is dictating. My oldest’s temperament is most similiar to my own. Therefore more difficult for me. We can clash. We both want to control our days. We’re both spirited and want my husband’s attention 🙂 He’s surprisingly coordinated when he needs to be…and yet can still spill large amounts of liquid (or food or toys) when he’s not focused. Just Like Me.
My mom said I gave up naps at two years old. Two years old. Maybe that sounds normal to some of you. I still feel sorry for mom about that! My Caden still takes naps. But that inevitably means early morning rising for us.
Lest you think we only clash and I only complain…I love him so much! He truly has a sensitive heart and cares about others. When I watch him holler at a group of older boys in our neighborhood who I know will pretend not to hear him…and he hollers anyway…well. Let’s just say I choke back the tears and my heart breaks a little every time. He loves everyone and wants everyone to love him. Even people who will hurt him and may not be best for him.
Last night we played Memory. He won. And I promise you, Dan and I did not let him win. He remembers things very easily. I’m interested to watch how he maneuvers through school – alternately most interested in learning…and most interested in socializing.
He wants to please us. If we jump all over him without explaining what happened, his heart breaks.
Well there are more things I want to tell you about my sweet boy. But he’s wanting to play Memory again. And we have a Family Fun Friday to get started…my man is on Spring Break and we’re planning some fun activites today! I love my family.