World Willpower Federation (Entertainment)

Dad-zilla vs. The Son-inator

Being a father of a strong willed ten-year-old boy has given me an idea for a sport that could rival the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). The WWE pro-wrestling matches consist of two hulking men with well oiled muscles trying desperately to look like they are fighting to win a competition where they both get what they want in the end. The World Willpower Entertainment would feature far fiercer competitions between some of the strongest intellectual wills actually duking it out.
Imagine this scene in Las Vegas, at Caesar’s Palace as the World Willpower Entertainment presents the greatest match of the century.

(The announcer booms forth in a deep and ominous voice)

“In this corner, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds, (even though his license says 195 and that’s what he tells everyone else), “Dad-zilla!“ He gave a monster performance in last the 2011 Brush Your Teeth WITH Toothpaste Smack Down. But last week showed his weakening will when he narrowly won in the tenth round of the Say Sorry to Your Sister Mega-fight.
“In the other corner, weighing in at eighty pounds, is the Son-inator.” He is challenging Dad-zilla to his fifteenth thousandth round here at the arena of wills, and he is pumped up tonight. He recently challenged Dad-zilla in the I Don’t Want to Go To Bed Battle to the Death, and won the grand prize of 30 minutes of staying up time.”

(The scene transitions to a crowded arena full of screaming fans)

(The announcer continues)…“tonight, join us in the center ring, for the battle of the century. Dad-zilla will face of with The Son-inator” to determine who will be crowned the willpower king of the century.
Strobe-lights are flashing, creating a multi-colored display of visual mayhem as the camera jets across the screaming fans moving in toward the center ring. The camera narrows in on center ring, where there is a table with a sheet of paper containing math problems. In each corner the fighters are limbering up, preparing for the face of. The “Son-inator” wears a smirk on his face knowing he has youth on his side. His plan will be to strike hard and fast. His mind is filing through several of his signature moves as he plans for the first round. Maybe he will start with the logic arguments of “why is math important?” or “why does the government require kids to go to school.” Eventually, if he can’t pin his opponent on logic, he may have to pull out the half-meltdown. (This is an emotional strangle hold that attacks the opponents inner peace). The Son-inator is also aware of his weaknesses. He realizes that his Legos, PSP and TV privileges are all vulnerable to attack, so he must work with both speed and agility.

His opponent Daddy Barnes, stands opposite in the ring. He stands with a stone face, solemn, knowing he is not as young as he used to be, and his willpower is starting to go. His mind is clear, enjoying a few minutes of peace and quiet before he has to move into center ring again. His strategy will be to outlast and out wit the younger, more speedy opponent. He must decide where to focus his attack. He could go for the full frontal assault and threaten to take away Legos, but he knows that move is easily countered with a half-meltdown or even the dreaded full-meltdown, and he wants to avoid that at all cost. He could move in with positive force, the old, cheering up routine. “Hey math isn’t so bad, if you work hard you could be done in an hour,” but he knows that move hasn’t worked with homework since the nineteen eighties.

(The bell rings and both fighters move toward center ring, lets join the fight.)

Son-inator:  “I hate math, why did anyone ever invent it?”
Announcer:  “The Son-inator moves in quickly, with speed and intensity.
Dad-zilla:  “It wasn’t invented, math is essentially about understanding the rational concept of being or existence.”
Announcer:  “A brilliant counter by Dad-zilla, as he quickly establishes intellectual superiority.”
Son-inator:  “Well math is stupid, and I’m not doing it.”
Announcer:  “OOOOhhhhh, he strikes with a punch right at Dad-zilla‘s weakness, ‘the demand for follow-through.’”
Dad-zilla:  “Please, will you do your math?”
Announcer:  “Ouch, Dad-zilla can’t muster much of a defense, that could cost him early in this fight. And the Son-inator is climbing up on the ropes, and getting ready for a willpower driver.”
Son-inator:  “You can’t make me!”

(Commercial Break)

Advice: If you have a strong willed child, remember to choose your battles* carefully and then make sure you win them.

*The Bible reminds us that obedience is not an option for us or our children. Sometimes in the heat of the “battles” a parent can forget how gracious and forgiving God has been with His children. Let us keep that in mind as we raise our strong-willed children. Another important truth to remember is that the Bible warns parents against frustrating their children. Sometimes it is easy to allow a child’s naturally active and curious spirit to keep them in a state of perpetual disobedience not because they are doing anything wrong, because they are annoying the parent who are tired and worn out. It is here that patience and the grace of God is required.