Spirited Parents Tribe?

[Sweetiemommy]

My dh and just read Raising Your Spirited Child and we are both extremely spirited! How are we going to raise our already spirited 9mo old??? Any other spirited parents out there?

[Suzetta]

My oldest dd is very spirited, but I am very laid back. My dh, on the other hand is the mold from which my dd was created.

From what I see in our house, you have a long path ahead of you. My dd and dh are like fire and fuel. She flames, and his presence just adds fuel to that flame. They have the best of times, but the worst of times, too. It has been very challenging for him to learn how to deal with both his spirit and hers. Fortunately, for her, she has me as her anchor. She seems to know intrinsically that she can come to me for some peace and tranquility.

Interestingly enough, my second dd is more like me, peaceful and calm. However, she seems to connect with dh more so in times of distress.

Best of luck to you.

[CryPixie83]

Me! My dd is 18months a has always been very spirited/high needs. I'm reading the same book right now and so far it's pretty helpful

nak

[sweetest]

I have read that book, too and I found it very helpful - mostly for me to be able to see what my triggers are and to see dd's reactions to some of the same triggers.

Dh and I are both pretty intense people, but in different ways. I am more social and dh is more physically active. We also both fairly intelligent in different ways (dh is an engineer, I'm (((almost))) a lawyer) Dd can talk, hop, run and sing at the same time

We love her spunky brightness and its really sweet to see in her some of the same things we love about each other What I really loved about that book is that it made me take a step back and recognize my own reactions to dd "spiritedness" For instance at the end of a long day she wants attention - undivided, physical, uninterupted attention. So do I.

[CryPixie83]

Originally Posted by sweetest

What I really loved about that book is that it made me take a step back and recognize my own reactions to dd "spiritedness"

Mmhmm, the book is really more about changing the way we react to dd's spiritedness than how to calm or controll her. It's about embracing the child and learning how to anticipate how s/he will react to situations and prepare yourself and the child accordingly. I love how it's not about drugging a kid or point out problems. I love that they turn negative labels into positive ones

DH gets to read this when I'm done and I think it will take him a little longer to get through it but I also think he'll come out with a much better understanding of why dd is the way she is, which makes me happy because he has a hard time dealing with her sometimes.

[Jilian]

I'm a spirited mom to my spirited DS. I never realized how spirited I was until reading that book. It made me realize that he is reacting the same way I did when I was a child. Now I can relate to his feelings more and understand his thought process. I can really feel where he is coming from. It helps me to be more sensitive to his needs. It also makes me take a step back and look at my own behavior.

Good book

[ToniaStarr]

Yep...welcome me to the tribe. LOL I have two very spirited childrewn but both are very different. My 5 yr old is prone to anxiety and is very sensitive. My toddlewr on teh other hand is very aggressive and impulsive. (more than the norm for his age) It can be a very tiring exhausting life to be a parent of a spirited child...but also full of unparalelled joy and laughter. Worth every moment. The tough times are balanced by rewards. I promise. And chatting with other p[arenst with kids like yours always helps. It does for me. i am active on another board for spirited kids. Just knowing your child is not the only one can help when they get caught up in little obsessions or warfare with you....