…Of my ten children, a few I can raise by clearing my throat (Angel and Earnest). A few I need to carry a bazooka just to remind them who’s in charge (Butkus and Conan). Most are somewhere in between. But I don’t consider any of the ten unconquerably strong-willed.
How can this be? Simple. Their mother is stronger-willed. So even when they are at their relentless worst, ultimately she will prevail. And God willing, their intense personality will over years be channeled and tempered into a force for good. Tough little people, when socialized, make for strong big people.
~Dr. Ray Guarendi, from his book Discipline That Lasts A Lifetime