That Twinkle

Incredible shot of my child's personality by Nadine ~ Lifeprints by Nadine

Do you have a child who has "that twinkle?"

You know if you do.

They feel things so strongly, they approach life differently, they are a challenge & a blessing to raise (aka. you both want to tear out your hair and then the next moment they might do or say something that melts your heart).

So, how do you handle a child with a twinkle - here are three things that have helped us...

 #1 ~ Make sure your child has LOTS of opportunity for physical activity.  Invest time & money (as you are able) in making sure they have an outlet for that twinkle.

#2 ~ Share control when you can with your child.  When you are dealing with a child who is always thinking of new ways to do things, or new ways to climb things, or new ways to just approach life in general - figure out how to make of choice of things when you can.  "Would you like to wear your jeans or your tan pants to church?" (the windpants aren't an option)  "Would you like to climb up to the third branch or the fourth branch on that tree?" (the top isn't an option)

#3 ~ Acknowledge your child's feelings - kids with a twinkle tend to feel things strongly.  Don't let them push your buttons when possible (yes, I know this is totally easier said then done...)  It helps me to think of my twinkle child and I like an old fashioned balance - when he is freaking, then I need to suck it up and hold it together to be able to help him calm back down.  Let's face it, it just doesn't end well when we both freak out...

Twinkle kids, when given good direction early on, are kiddos who change the world...they aren't afraid to try new things (maybe a cure for cancer?), they don't care as much what other kids think (pure pressure affects them differently), and they tend to see good & bad as fairly black & white, so they are bothered by things that aren't fair (working to help the homeless or food shelf?) and are capable of being kids and adults with high level of integrity.  They can come up with million ways to challenge our parenting, but also make us smile...

I love most of this post by Dr. Laura Markham for more info too ~
http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/positive-discipline/Parenting-Strong-Willed-Child

Do you have a "Twinkle" kid?  What tips / advice do you have for others who are raising one?

What amazing things has your "Twinkle" kid done or said?