One of your most astounding experiences as a parent is to watch a distinct personality emerge in each of your children. As they mature, traits that make them individuals become increasingly apparent. It’s part of God’s plan for who they will become.

What happens when a child’s developing personality clashes with others in the family?

But what happens when a child’s developing personality clashes with others in the family? Or, perhaps even more frustrating, when that personality is too close to your own? (It seems kids know just what hot buttons to push!)

You can build a closer relationship with your children — while lowering stress and frustration — by first identifying their unique, God-given strengths. Getting to know yourself and your kids better can also positively affect your marriage and other important relationships.

How can you do this? Try using an assessment tool that is insightful, fun and has proved helpful to thousands of families!

No doubt your home sometimes seems like a zoo. Fine. Then why not, spend some time learning who in your home is a lion, an otter, a golden retriever or a beaver?

• Learn about the strengths of a “lion.” Like Amy, a 5-year-old who is strong, determined, forceful and assertive in sharing her thoughts and opinions on almost everything.

• Discover the strengths of an "otter." Like Bryan, a 7-year-old who loves to talk, loves being on teams or wherever there’s a group, and loves to start things — but rarely finishes them.

• Understand the strengths of a “golden retriever." Like Rachael, a mom who is caring, compassionate and wants everyone to feel good — but who struggles with Amy’s lionlike strength of character.

• Examine the strengths of a “beaver.” Like Kurt, a dad who likes to finish what he starts, reflect on things before acting, find a place for everything and keep everything in its place — and who is often frustrated with how messy and random and impulsive his “otter” son, Bryan, seems to be.

Begin right now and take a powerful, interactive strengths assessment created online just for you and your child.

This offer of one complimentary Parenting Insights assessment is a Focus on Your Child exclusive member benefit! If you would like to have an additional member of your family use the tool, you may purchase additional assessments.