Welcome to everyone visiting from The Polished Apple.  Posted here is the devotional followed with personal examples.

Let’s continue talking about the treasure of our children since they are the reason we homeschool. How can we view it as a privilege to homeschool them on those days when the going gets tough?

Children are God’s most extraordinary and unique gifts and each one must be received this way--as God's unique gift to you.  One important aspect of recognizing your children as gifts often goes overlooked or unseen. Through this gift of them in your life God grows you more into the person He wants you to be. This means that you will be transformed into someone you'd never have become without them. It's a gift of personal growth and discovery, mostly spiritual, experienced each day as you see again life through the eyes of your children.

Perhaps you're not seeing your children as gifts from God right now. Perhaps, if you were honest, you'd admit that some of the interests your children have don't interest you much at all and you have a hard time being as supportive and enthusiastic as you know you should be. Or honestly, there may be a clash of personalities between you and a child. Turn to God and ask Him to give you the insight to see the gift of each child. Receive each one as a gift from God and ask Him to help you see what work He is trying to accomplish in you. Give thanks for each of your children.

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If you peruse my blog much at all, you will see a recurring theme of how different DS and I are.  Though I was raised in a musical family and play an instrument, I am very analytical, logical, and have not a creative bone in my body.  DS, on the other hand, is very creative, especially loving to weave and spin stories.  It is a challenge to show interest much less be interested in his many stories.  But it is a choice to show him interest daily.  I even have to watch my facial expressions when listening to him for he picks up on the slightest hint of disinterest.  Honestly God is honing me into becoming less self-centered and more focused on others and accomplishing that through DS.  It is a practice of self-control to show interest and put aside whatever I am doing to listen to him. I could probably go on with more on this subject but suffice it to say it really becomes an issue of self-control on my part and dying to self daily.

Personalities.....Well DS and I are not very different.  We are actually carbon copies of each other personality-wise.  Not a good thing when you spend as much time together as we spend.  We 'butt heads' often.  DH often says he has to "separate the children" when DS and I are having one of those days.    

I have read lots of books and articles on personalities and each offers a keen insight into DS and myself.  Some of the good ones are Florence Littauer (and CLASS). Also Kevin Leman's The New Birth Order Book.  You can find all manner of articles and books into personality types including "Beavers, Otters, Lions, and Retrievers;"  introverts versus extroverts; and the Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, and Melacholy personalities.  My personal favorites which would also cover insight into your marriage relationship (thereby killing two proverbial birds with one stone), are Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages  (he also has written The Five Love Languages For Children), and Pam Farrel's Men Are Like Waffles-Women Are Like Spaghetti. 

One help I receive is from my awesome husband.  Now that he is not deployed he takes DS to work with him as often as he is able.  He usually manages an afternoon a week .  DS works on school with Daddy, helps Daddy at work, and they work on his "manhood" training.  I realize that I am in a special position and know that many of you may not have a situation that affords this.  Ask God to show you ways to have time away especially if there is one child that you especially struggle with their personality. 

However, with all that being said, there is no substitute for going before God and asking for His wisdom and guidance in revealing your child's gifts and personality to you.  But don't stop there.  Ask Him to reveal to you how to best train this gift He has given you and give you the insight into what work He may be doing in you through your child(ren).  He is faithful to answer our prayers especially when we ask for His wisdom and insight.