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My Most Essential Parenting Tool
Over the past 15 years of raising three kids, I’ve amassed an impressive arsenal of parenting techniques. I’ve got redirection, positive reinforcement, time-ins and time-outs, and even my “serious business” glare. It’s all there, neatly tucked into my parenting toolkit.
But if you were to ask me which tool I treasure the most? The one I’d choose to keep above all others for a blissful parenting journey? It’s humor. Without a doubt, humor is the crown jewel of my parenting approach.
Maybe it’s because I have a naturally quirky sense of humor, or perhaps it’s that life with kids is a never-ending source of comedic material. Regardless, humor has saved my sanity (and my kids’ too) more times than I can count.
When my teenager, Mia, starts brooding, I’ve discovered that making her laugh works wonders. A goofy face, a silly voice, or even a spontaneous dance-off can turn her mood around in an instant. Laughter helps us both shake off those invisible barriers that sometimes pop up between us. Sure, she might get a bit annoyed that I’m interrupting her sulking, but it’s hard for her to resist a smile amidst her complaints. Watching her mood lighten is truly heartwarming.
And when one of my kids gripes about dinner, my first instinct is often to launch into a long-winded lecture about starving children and how grateful they should be. I’ve done it, believe me. But I’ve found much better results by challenging them to eat their food with their toes, or playfully threatening them with cleaning my toenails with their toothbrush if they don’t finish their meal in three bites—plate and all! For some reason, kids find toes hilarious, and embracing the absurd can be an incredibly effective parenting strategy.
While it sometimes takes effort to embrace humor, it’s really all about mindset. I aim to make laughter my go-to discipline method. It fosters connection, which is vital for our family, especially during tough times. As long as we’re laughing together (and not at each other), it strengthens our bond. When a conflict arises, I try to initiate laughter first. It’s amazing how humor creates a calm, open atmosphere where we can have meaningful discussions about whatever issue is troubling us. Jumping straight into serious talk without that light-hearted cushion rarely leads to anything productive.
Humor is also a lifesaver for my frazzled nerves. In the chaos of parenting, laughter is always more enjoyable than losing my cool. When I’m surrounded by messes, meltdowns, and the constant tugging in different directions, taking a step back to appreciate the craziness can be so refreshing. Sometimes all that’s left to do is laugh—or cry, but laughter is way more fun.
We could all use a little levity in our lives. Most of the time, life is funny, and kids, even more so. Letting go of the need for perfection or getting caught up in analyzing every little behavior can do wonders for your peace of mind.
Being a parent might be the toughest job you’ll ever take on, but it’s also one of the funniest. Focus on the humor, and the tough times become a bit easier.
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In summary, humor is an invaluable parenting tool that not only strengthens family bonds but also helps to navigate the chaos of daily life with a lighter heart. Embracing the funny moments can transform challenging situations into cherished memories.