When I was expecting my first child, I eagerly consumed parenting books and philosophies like they were candy. Like many new moms, I aimed to equip myself with every bit of knowledge I could find, ready to navigate motherhood with confidence. From sleep issues to potty training and motivation, I thought I had expert insights for every challenge. I found a few guiding principles that resonated with me, and I envisioned us sailing smoothly through the parenting journey with our three kids.
Of course, that vision was far from reality. Children, after all, don’t really care about parenting theories. Our first child was a breeze; I could have penned a smug parenting manual based on my experiences with her. But when our second child arrived, I quickly learned that the strategies that worked wonders for my daughter didn’t apply at all. My so-called expertise took a hit, and by the time our third child came along? Well, let’s just say I had to toss out the rulebook.
Now, after 15 years of parenting, I proudly declare that I’ve found my groove. I even coined my own parenting philosophy: WIT Parenting.
What is WIT Parenting?
WIT stands for “Whatever It Takes.” It’s an approach that values creativity, adaptability, and humor in parenting. The beauty of WIT Parenting is its flexibility—nothing is off-limits except for anything genuinely harmful. Does your baby sleep better in a car seat in the bathroom with some white noise? Fantastic! Does your child insist on eating their veggies only if they’re smothered in ketchup? No problem. Have you discovered that your little one will only use the toilet if you bribe them with Skittles? Go ahead and stock up on that colorful candy!
This is the ultimate “use what works and leave the rest” parenting style. WIT Parenting recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinct temperaments. What succeeds with one kid may fail with another, and sometimes you just have to throw everything into the mix and hope something clicks. Some kids are sensitive and just need a firm look to correct their behavior, while others may require a different approach entirely.
Using Your Judgment
However, it’s crucial to use your judgment. WIT Parenting doesn’t mean resorting to whatever methods will create future headaches. Like true wit, it calls for intelligence. There are some universal parenting principles worth following: love your kids in ways that resonate with them, keep your end goals in mind, and resist the temptation to give in to every demand (that leads to trouble down the line). And seriously, just don’t let them pick their nose and wipe it on things—yuck!
Ultimately, the goal is to nurture your children into kind, educated, and contributing adults without losing your sanity in the process. Whatever it takes to get through the day without losing your cool or to catch a few precious hours of sleep, go for it. Whatever it takes to encourage them to eat their vegetables or stop the whining, do what you need to do. And don’t forget to share your strategies with other parents!
WIT Parenting is all about perseverance, mamas. For me, that includes a little chocolate indulgence and binge-watching shows after the kids are asleep, but hey, whatever works for you!
Additional Resources
For more insights on family planning and related topics, check out this post on home insemination or learn more about the process at Make a Mom. You can also explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
WIT Parenting is a flexible, creative approach that emphasizes doing whatever it takes to nurture each unique child while maintaining sanity. It encourages parents to adapt strategies based on individual needs and to be resourceful in their methods, all while keeping love and healthy boundaries at the forefront.