I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, But I love spirited kids. I mean, all kids need a bit of ‘wild’ in them, I reckon. A bit of spirit. A bit of spark. A bit of dig-their-toes-in, can’t-hold-them-back, get-up-and-go.
That’s normal. Healthy. Good.
But some mothers do ‘ave ‘em – in DOUBLE-strength!
We’re talking serious wild here. We’re talking kids who don’t cry – they bellow! Kids who don’t walk – they lunge! Kids who can’t get up or dressed or washed or fed without creating a crisis. We’re talking kids who can wreck your day by throwing wobblies, ruin your shopping by making a scene, and sulk all morning ‘cause you didn’t do it their way!
“Other people’s kids aren’t like this!” you cry. “Where have I gone WRONG?”
Well, cheer up …
Look, I’m no expert. But I’ve seen enough families to know YOU’RE NOT ALONE. Plenty of kids fit the ‘wild child’ description – and plenty of mums and dads have walked in your shoes. Your kid’s not a rebel – or a freak. And you’re not the world’s worst parent.
And another thing: IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT. Your child’s wired differently, that’s all. He marches to the beat of a different drum. Sure, you’ve got a major role as he grows up into a man, but you’re just one of many influences in his life – not the only one.
You’ll get through it – and he’ll come right. These spirited kids often turn out to be go-getters and achievers, leaders and pioneers.
You’ve got a gifted child – not a problem child! So focus on his strengths, enjoy his wild antics, and appreciate his tender heart.
JOHN COONEY IS GRAPEVINE’S FOUNDING EDITOR. ‘SCRUBCUTTERS’ ARE RADIO SPOTS – SEE WWW.SCRUBCUTTER.COM – HEARD BY 180,000 PEOPLE EACH WEEKDAY ON THE NEWSTALKZB NETWORK.
