When my two sons, Trent and Troy, were born, I thought Jean andI would be able to raise them the same way. Boy, was I wrong. When it came to parenting, what worked for Trent didn’t always work for Troy.
Trent and Troy share a lot of the same interests, but spend an afternoon with each of them, and you’ll discover just how different they are. Trent is thoughtful and smart, but sometimes he struggled in school. Troy is competitive but also easygoing. He’s a roll-with-the-punches kind of guy.
I’ve always been amazed that my boys were raised together, in the same home, with the same rules and family traditions, and yet their personalities are completely different.
My guess is, your kids are like that, too. They think differently, act differently, and respond differently to correction. That’s why Proverbs 22:6 encourages moms and dads to raise children according to their own unique personalities.
Children are like a bouquet of colorful flowers. To understand who they are, it’s important to know them deeply and to understand their likes, their dislikes, and their quirks. Watch them closely and who they are will unfold before you like a trail of crumbs leading you straight to their hearts.
Author Julie Lyles Carr is with us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Developing Your Child’s Unique Personality” to share parenting strategies that will help you understand how God created your children and to empower you to guide them through life according to their uniqueness. Join us on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
Julie is a popular speaker and author of the excellent book Raising an Original: Parenting Each Child According to Their Unique God-Given Temperament.
While you’re online, we’ve got a free parenting assessment for you at our website. It will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas. It also offers suggestions for improving the relationships in your home.
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