As a parent, I didn’t realize my first child was particularly spirited until my second child arrived, providing a stark contrast. Before my calmer, more easy-going kid came along, I thought I was missing the mark in motherhood. I felt I wasn’t strict enough with my rules, didn’t cuddle enough, or didn’t use the perfect soothing tone. I assumed my child’s vibrant nature was a reflection of my parenting shortcomings.
But then my second child, a much more relaxed little girl, made everything clear. Parents of spirited kids often hear the phrase that all children are spirited or energetic. Sure, all kids can have their wild moments, but there’s a different level of intensity when you have a truly spirited child.
Honestly, I might have taken longer to recognize my son’s spirited nature if it weren’t for my daughter’s contrasting demeanor. She thrives on encouragement, while my son is indifferent to praise. A gentle reprimand is enough for her, but my son requires more rigorous discipline to understand boundaries. While she can entertain herself quietly for hours, he craves constant interaction, often resorting to climbing furniture if left to his own devices.
I vividly recall the moment my son shattered our glass coffee table as a toddler. In a heartbeat, he charged at our beautiful table with his plastic drumsticks, causing cracks to spider web across the surface. That day marked the end of any glass furniture in our home. And let’s not forget the countless times he spilled my coffee, even while I was holding it! Now, whenever a child approaches me with a drink in hand, my body instinctively tenses.
Family game nights can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with my son being fiercely competitive; he can be a sore loser and an even worse winner. Yet, amidst all the chaos, he also has a creative heart. At age eight, he dove into the Harry Potter series and, at eleven, woke me up sobbing after reading a particularly heartbreaking chapter. His confidence is unwavering, and he dresses according to his own flair, disregarding trends.
With spirited children, you learn to secure your furniture and enforce bedtimes because you desperately need those quiet moments at the end of the day. You pick your battles, adapting to the whirlwind of energy. Many kids, like my daughter, are compliant and easy to please — and that’s wonderful too. But spirited children, like my son, bring a whirlwind of energy and noise that’s impossible to ignore.
Whether you’re a parent of a spirited child or a more docile one, it’s essential to remember that every child is unique. Some parents, like me, realize their first child is spirited only when they have a calmer second child for comparison. Others might feel confident in their parenting until a spirited child arrives and flips their expectations upside down.
For those who have an only child who sometimes acts out but is generally well-behaved, you likely have an average-energy child. It’s crucial not to judge the parents of the spirited kids you see in action; they’re often doing their best against the tide of their child’s intense nature.
Despite the challenges, the wild spirit of spirited children is also breathtaking. While their energy may lead to broken furniture and messy walls, it’s a beautiful kind of wildness that we wouldn’t dream of taming. If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this blog post on home insemination.
In conclusion, parenting a spirited child is a unique journey filled with both challenges and joys. While you may find yourself navigating broken furniture and noise, the vibrant spirit of your child is something to cherish.