I was asked to write about this and because I want to share with younger parents what I’ve had the privilege of learning, I reluctantly but enthusiastically will share!
*Disclaimer-I can only speak to my personal experience. Please trust your own gut instincts. They are true and right. I wish I would have done this more.

At the same time, remember, a lot of parenting is what we have learned that doesn’t work!
You can not know everything and especially when it’s happening. That’s ok! Did you hear me? It’s ok!
Somehow, it all works out!

I was going to write about ages and/or stages but I think it’s more important to write about types first. So, why not start with the quiet obedient ones first. (The strong-willed ones often get all the attention.)😉

The quiet ones, they can be a nice reprieve. They can also be a mystery and don’t need a lot of us. While I think this is often true, a little bit goes a long way with this type. Considering that, they should not be overlooked or taken for granted.
They need encouragement.
They need praise.
Sometimes, they need to be pulled into their emotions a bit.
Because they don’t express a big range of emotions, they can seem insensitive at times, but don’t assume this about them. (They’re living in their head a lot.)

They need to be encouraged to let loose and maybe even do something crazy.

If they are first borns, make sure they get the privileges of that status: later bedtimes, extra privileges, offered a choice, first. (over the louder one who isn’t afraid to let you know what they want!) 🤪

The first borns often do more work and are required to, without parents even realizing that this is happening. While this can feel rewarding for this type, don’t take it for granted. We don’t want to produce people-pleasing humans. We want to produce well-rounded individuals that will bring that into their own future.

Also remember, there are so many unique variables to each and every child: their personality or their birth order.

I don’t believe we can ever parent or understand them perfectly, (even though I did think this for too long.)🤦🏻‍♀️

However, there is One that does. There is One that understands them and loves them more than we could ever imagine. The One that created them.
And for me, this is where I’ve had to put my trust, open my hand and hold them loosely, knowing that ultimately, it is Him that will carry them through!
You’ve got this! If you cared enough to read this, you’ll be just fine😊