Why is it so, so difficult to discipline?

If I know that discipline will ultimately benefit my children, why is it so hard to do it? I mean, when we were little, we all used to love being "the boss". But now, I find it incredibly challenging and exhausting trying to discipline my children. I don't always know what to do, and I definitely don't always like doing it. So many questions of how, when, which parent, what method, etc. And the frustrating thing is, there isn't one black and white answer. I mean, I love it that God created us all as individuals with our own temperaments and imperfections, but everything we learn with Isabella, what works what doesn't, might be completely meaningless when it's time to rear Gideon. *Sigh*

But if there is one thing that I keep going back to, it's that perseverance produces character. And I believe this is true for both the parent and the child. Rob and I will never figure it all out, because we're not perfect. But, the pursuit of parenting in a way that resembles Jesus' heart for our children will bear fruit of character building for us while setting an example worth following for our children. 

I absolutely love it though that all our efforts can be centered around a message of love and grace. For each other, for our children, for ourselves. And I know that however difficult it may be now, raising young children in a way that exemplifies love and grace will mold their hearts into beauty in the future. Ahhhh. That makes it all worth it. :)