Strong-willed kids are a lot. It’s as if they weren’t just born to rock the boat—they were born to crash it straight into an iceberg.
Yes, they are a lot—of everything.
Their voices bounce off walls, and it’s a miracle the windows don’t shatter.
If you take out their batteries, they still run wildly—seemingly never running out of energy.
Their emotions are bigger, bolder, and more colorful than any rainbow.
They are more persistent than a stubborn old bull.
And from the moment they could speak, they’ve had an opinion—about everything.
Parenting one of these tiny tornadoes is grueling. Because they’re a lot.
But if I’ve learned anything from trying to keep up with one of these feisty little souls, it’s that they also need a lot.
They need:
✔ Our time.
✔ Undivided attention.
✔ Room to run, jump, and tumble.
✔ Space to make their own decisions.
✔ Hugs, kisses, and unwavering nurture.
✔ Unconditional love.
✔ Firm but patient direction.
And sometimes, giving all of this—and more—to a strong-willed child is exhausting. It can feel overwhelming.
We question.
We doubt.
We feel guilty.
The stress-filled knots in our shoulders tighten each day.
And worst of all, we wonder if we’re failing.
Yes, strong-willed kids are a lot. And they need a lot.
But if we keep showing up—even on the hard days, even when our best looks different from one moment to the next—just imagine what they will grow up and give to the world.
I’d bet that what they have to offer will be more than worth the struggle.
Because these strong-willed kids?
They weren’t just born to rock the boat.
They were born to build a new one. ✨
**This post was written by Angela Anagnost-Repke and originally appeared on her Facebook page. See more from Angela here.
