My dear strong-willed child, I see you. You might not think that I do, but I really do see you. Through the long and tiresome (did I mention long) evening clean-ups when picking up just one more block seems like an astronomical feat you just CANNOT complete, I see you. Through the preschool work meltdowns when coloring one more leaf on a plant appears to be your personal Mt. Everest, I see you. When you stand there and grimace with pursed lips and nose scrunched just before you release a giant-sized “No! I don’t want to!” I still see you. It might not seem like I do as I hover over you, teeth gritted, barking out orders and threats of discipline as you act out once again. But when tempers calm and you climb meekly into my lap nuzzled closely to my heart and whisper, “I love you, Mommy,” what I’ve been seeing all along is that much clearer. Yes, you are my strong-willed child, but you are so much more.
You are my little leader. It’s obvious as you step into the preschool room the affect you have on the kids around you. They watch what you do. They ask to play with you. And even when you’re bad and push or hit one of these friends, they forgive easily and beg to play with you again. One day you and these other littles will be the big kids, then teenagers, then adults; and you will have a choice to make in each of these stages of life. Will you use that stubbornness and stand-my-ground attitude to lead others toward wise, good decisions, or will you lead them to foolish, reprehensible decisions that will cost you and them far more than you want to pay? You see, your strong will is a gift. It might as well be a super power. Wield it well, my love.
You are ingenuity at its finest … perhaps a little too smart for your own good. When you hear “No” what really processes in that inquisitive mind is “not that way.” So if you couldn’t get that piece of candy by asking, you’ll find a way to make it happen by yourself; and, of course, make sure Mommy is pre-occupied before making your move. With that mind, one day you’ll accomplish greatness. When critics say “you can’t,” you’ll say “watch me.” They say “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” but I say “where there’s a strong will, there are 100 ways.” And you, my darling, will find every last one of them.
