Toddlers, School-Aged Kiddos, or Teens...we all have parenting challenges! 

I'm raising two strong-willed kiddos who can express their feelings and their opinions pretty darn well.  That's a huge challenge for me!  While I want them to have these skills when they are adults, parenting them can be trying.  Take Stella for instance.  She's a sweet 5 year old with an energy that will wear a parent down!  She is constantly taking in the world around her and knows all the details of what is occurring in her life.  So, if I make a mistake or screw up, she will definitely help me tow the line.  I have been through a lot of therapy and feel like I've worked through most of my childhood demons, so, I don't take her opinions too personally.  They are just that...her opinions.  That doesn't mean that she is the boss or will get her own way, merely, that she gets an opportunity to state what is on her mind...as respectfully as possible.

Then, there's Sage, our adorable 4 year old son.  Really, he's smart too, but super rigid.  For example, he can't put his shirt on first when he gets dressed...ever.  It must always be his pants and then his shirt.  This is just one small example.  He also inherited my temper.  So, if he gets worked up quickly, he may just boil over and has been known to say things like, "I want to throw you in the trash can" or "I wish I had new parents."  I appreciate that he's using his words...just wish it happened before the tantrum begins.

So, that leads me to my question for all of you...what are your toughest parenting challenges?  I'm curious!