I heard about this book on a Focus on the Family broadcast, and filed it away as a book I should maybe read someday. Then my current group of students walked in my classroom door, and I realized that the day had come to read up on strong-willed children! Aaron’s Way was interesting because it was written by Aaron’s mom (mother of a strong-willed child) and by Aaron (the former strong-willed child). The dual perspective was very insightful. Especially important for me were Aaron’s recollections of his teachers–some were good and some were terrible.

This book convicted me in several ways. First, it reminded me of the importance of consistent, calm discipline. Second it pointed out the importance of picking your battles with kids, but especially with strong-willed ones. Finally, it outlined some strengths of strong-willed children (resolve, fortitude, stamina) and reminded me that it’s my job as a teacher to channel these into positive areas. I’m also planning on reading Dobson’s The Strong-Willed Child to learn more on this subject.