Watching a fireworks display is one of my favorite activities! I love to watch the precisely timed display of lights and vivid colors. What a spectacular visual event! It’s a truly delightful experience for me, when it’s outdoors. When it is inside our home, I want to run and hide! Living with a choleric child can be a bit of a fireworks display.
The choleric temperament is characterized by being strong-willed and stubborn. Like Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh, the choleric child usually has an opinion and it is always right, in his/her eyes. They are born leaders and tend to be rather independent. They think monarchy, not democracy. ? They like to be in control, but don’t necessarily exhibit self-control. Anger is their besetting sin. When things aren’t going their way, an angry, out-of-control attitude just might rear its ugly head. And we all know that anger is very, very manipulative.
How do you minimize the undesired fireworks displays so that your child uses his strength for the good of mankind?
- First off, remember you are the parent. A calm, collected parent goes a long way to help a choleric child understand he is a planet, not a star. He is not the center of the universe!
- Start by training him to have self-control and to think about others. We would ask, “Who are you thinking about right now?” to get our girls to address whether they were being selfish or others focused.
- Teach him to ask for forgiveness and admit he was wrong. Yes, use the words! Cholerics need to work on submission, and owning the fact they were wrong is a step towards a submissive and humble heart.
- One way to shut down an indoor fireworks display is to walk away, if it is safe to do so. How spectacular is a fireworks display if there isn’t an audience?!
Paul and Jonah are biblical examples of cholerics. Use Scripture to show your children how God used these mighty men of faith. God bless the choleric children and their parents! They are world-changers when their hearts are submissive to God’s work in their lives. Their fireworks can light up the world’s dark sky, bringing glory to the Lord! Don’t give up praying for your little choleric! God always finishes the work He begins (Philippians 1:6).
Glen and Jerrine Hicks have been married 32 years and live near Sedalia, CO. They have two adult daughters and one son-in-love. Jerrine’s idea of a perfect day would include a pot of PG Tips tea, some dark chocolate, a Jane Austen movie, and time reading Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Jerry Bridges, Emilie Barnes or L.M. Montgomery. She loves couchtime with her Glen. She is an introvert. 😉 The Hickses have been involved with Growing Families since 1996.
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