Spirited Child

Having a Spirited Child is difficult!   I"ve discovered that is exactly what my son, Rowan is.
He is determined, stubborn, temperamental, clingy yet independent, seems to require little sleep and all resulting in a mom (and dad) feeling a little like they are loosing their mind.

Everyday there is an episode of Rowan crying and throwing some form of a temper tantrum - usually him hitting his head off something- and myself and most others would just say "Oh that's just Rowan" when others would stare at me and my wild child. That statement wouldn't be incorrect, as it is who Rowan is, but instead of calling him difficult, cranky, moody,ect... I will try to make a better effort at calling him what he is  - spirited. I am not going to lie - I envy some of my friends and how generally relaxed and "easy" their children are. I envy the parents at playgroup who gather in a circle and sing songs while their children join in - meanwhile mine is crawling across the room exploring and if I attempt to make him participate he throws a fit. I've even questioned myself about this; "is it something I did during pregnancy," "is it my genetics," "am I spoiling him too much?."   In all reality the answer to all of those questions is no. He is just unique.  He is more energetic. He is more sensitive. He is more intuitive and observant. He is very independent. It is myself (and others) that have to learn to accept this and how to work with him instead of against him.  I feel it is really silly that many people have the same answers for every child when every child is different. I also feel it is inappropriate for others to judge ones' parenting style - they are simply trying to do their best. Perhaps try putting yourself in their shoes and if you do not have enough information to do that it is best not to judge at all.

At the end of it all I love my little boy more than anything in this world. I love that he's independent, I love when he wants to hug me, I love his little giggles and crazy personality...and sometimes it's those things that also drive me nuts! :P

It is a learning process we are both in together!