Difficult child. How do you define that? Is it the toddler that stamps his feet and says NO? How about that preschooler who runs away from you at the grocery store or hides in the clothing racks at the mall? What about the school-aged child who you battle with daily over brushing their teeth and taking a shower? The teenager who things you know nothing and all your rules are dumb? Yeah… I don’t have any of those! Ha! Just kidding! Each of my children could be labeled “difficult” on different days of the week. As a matter of fact, my middle one may be the definition of “difficult” more often than not.

I discovered a great book! In her book, Dealing with a Difficult Child, Kathie Morrissey shares twelve things she’s learned raising her two difficult children.

{God} gave you that child, just the way they are, and He will be there to guide you and help you, if you just ask.

• Train them in the way that they need to be trained.
• Work on speaking to them calmly and kindly.
• Don’t allow yourself to get bitter or harbor resentment toward them.
• Don’t push away from them.
• Know what your parenting goals are.
• Avoid needless conflicts.
• Give them lots of praise and encouragement.
• Give them structure and routine.
• Teach them to take responsibility for their actions.
• Don’t dwell on the negative thoughts about that child.
• Pray for yourself and that child.
• Learn to manage your anger if this is an issue for you.