Is it possible for parents and kids to have personality clashes? I have more conflicts with my three-year-old than my other three children combined.
The fact that you’re related to another human being doesn’t prevent guarantee perfect harmony 24/7. (If only!) And sometimes we find ourselves in the peculiar position of raising kids who are totally unlike us—at least when it comes to temperament.
So how do you get through that as a parent? Raise Dr. Jekyll when you’re Mr. Hyde—or vice versa?
The secret to parenting a child who is temperamentally your opposite is to accept the fact that those differences exist and to come up with a parenting game plan that plays to your child’s strengths.
If, for example, your three-year-old child is extremely high energy, you may want to -purchase some preschool activity books so that you always have a stockpile of activities in mind for days when your child is desperately seeking a diversion; -learn to read your child’s signals (e.g., spot signs of restlessness so that you’ll know when your child needs a change of environment or activity); -provide regular opportunities for your child to enjoy periods of active play; -ensure that your child is getting adequate sleep (an over-tired child is a wired child).
