During my first pregnancy, I immersed myself in an array of parenting literature, eager to prepare myself for the journey ahead. Like countless first-time mothers, I sought to equip myself with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate motherhood successfully. From sleep issues to potty training and motivation tactics, I believed I had expert advice for every challenge. I found a few guiding philosophies that resonated with me, and I thought we would sail smoothly through parenting three kids without a hitch.
But reality had other plans. Children, it turns out, are not swayed by expert opinions. Our first child, a dream to parent, made everything seem easy. I could have penned a self-righteous guide based on my experiences with her. However, when our second child arrived, the tactics that worked wonders with our daughter fell flat. My perceived expertise took a serious hit. And by the time our third child came along? Let’s just say I was in for a wild ride.
Now, after 15 years of parenting, I confidently declare that I have developed my own parenting philosophy—WIT Parenting.
WIT stands for “Whatever It Takes.” This approach emphasizes the necessity of creativity, adaptability, and humor in parenting. Unlike traditional methods, WIT Parenting is flexible and encourages finding solutions that work for your unique family dynamic.
Does your baby sleep best in a car seat placed in the bathroom with a fan for white noise? Perfectly acceptable. Does your child only eat veggies if smothered in ketchup? No problem. Have you discovered that your potty-training efforts only yield results when Skittles are involved? Go ahead and embrace that rainbow of fruit flavors.
WIT Parenting promotes a “use what works and disregard the rest” mentality. As long as it’s not harmful or dangerous, there are no rules. Each child is an individual with their own temperament, meaning what works for one may not work for another. Sometimes, you just have to try everything in your parenting toolkit and hope something resonates.
Each child may respond differently to discipline. One might need just a stern look to adjust their behavior, while another might require a completely different approach. WIT Parenting recognizes that flexibility is key. The goal is to help your child grow and learn in whatever way possible.
However, “Whatever It Takes” doesn’t mean compromising your long-term goals for short-term ease. It requires some wisdom. There are certain parenting principles that remain universal: show your children love in a way they understand, maintain focus on the end goal, and don’t yield to every demand (that can lead to bigger challenges down the line). And remember, picking noses and wiping them on furniture is just not acceptable.
Ultimately, the essence of WIT Parenting is simple: do whatever it takes to raise your children into compassionate, educated, and productive adults, all while preserving your sanity. If that means finding ways to enjoy the day without losing your cool or getting enough rest to truly appreciate your kids, then go for it. Whether it’s indulging in chocolate after a long day or binge-watching your favorite shows post-bedtime, embrace whatever keeps you afloat.
So, fellow parents, share your strategies and insights with one another. WIT Parenting is about doing what you need to thrive in this chaotic journey.
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In summary, WIT Parenting embraces innovation and adaptability, allowing parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with creativity and humor.