Parenting my neediest child, Acen.

Without a doubt, he is our neediest child. He fights for the most attention, he argues his case for everything, he is worried about everything, he struggles the most in school, he fights with his siblings the most, and he test my patience to the fullest.

So, let me break this down a bit more before you judge me and say, "Wow, Megan, those were some bold and harsh statements about your child."

He fights for the most attention. Acen is an extrovert and the second in line out of four. He hates being alone, likes to stand out, and although it's frustrating at times, I love it. I know in his future he is going to fight to be seen and heard, and that's an amazing quality to have in a big world.

He argues his case on everything. And I mean everything. It's truly a gift he has, and he doesn't take no for an answer. This is a gift I really try to have him embrace, as he could be a heck of a salesman someday. Mix that with extrovert people skills, and that screams success in many areas of life!

He is worried about everything. I unfortunately understand his anxiety, and being a "worrier" runs deep in my family line. This worry in him also makes me realize what a big, caring heart he truly has, and he is my child who asks me to pray over him or with him the most. That's such a privilege as a mom, and I am so thankful that he knows Jesus in his deepest worries.

He struggles the most at school. We have spent a lot of time and money on tutoring, glasses, and doing eye exercises, and the kid still struggles. When we found out he was dyslexic, I cried. However, because of this "issue", it allows him to see things differently and learn differently. Therefore, he has an amazing imagination and teaches us how we can do the same thing but in a different way. Dyslexia is part of him but does not define him, and is truly a gift that he can see the world in his own unique way.

He fights with his siblings the most. That really does just stink, but he is a kid, and we have all been there with siblings.

He tests my patience to the fullest. We have certainly had our bad days and bad moments together. But it gives us an opportunity to learn and grow, and most importantly, apologize to each other. My job as his mom is not to change these qualities about him, it is to have him lean in and use all these things for the good. These are all amazing traits that can set him up for success!

So there you have it. The insight into my needy and wonderful son, Acen. I only hope this can help some other mom with a challenging child and realize how good these traits can be for them when used in the right way.

With love + friendship, Megan May