When I was expecting my first child, I immersed myself in literature on various parenting strategies and philosophies. Like many first-time parents, I aimed to equip myself with an arsenal of knowledge to navigate motherhood seamlessly. I believed I had a solution for every challenge—be it sleep issues, potty training, or motivation. I discovered several parenting methods that resonated with me, and I envisioned a blissful journey of raising three children without a hitch.
However, reality proved to be quite different. Children, after all, are not concerned with the theories of parenting experts. Our first child was a relative dream, and I could have easily penned a self-congratulatory guide based on my experiences with her. But when our second child arrived, I quickly learned that the strategies that worked wonders with our firstborn were ineffective with him. My once-unshakeable confidence took a hit, and by the time our third child came along, my parenting playbook was out the window.
Now, with 15 years of parenting experience under my belt, I can confidently say I have developed my own parenting philosophy—WIT Parenting.
WIT stands for “Whatever It Takes.” It’s a philosophy born from sleepless nights and the chaos of raising children. Feel free to adopt it and place it alongside other parenting styles like Attachment Parenting or Unconditional Parenting.
The essence of WIT Parenting lies in its encouragement of creativity and adaptability. It refrains from dismissing any strategies that don’t cause harm. If your infant sleeps best in a car seat set up in the bathroom with a fan running for white noise, that’s perfectly fine. Does your toddler only eat vegetables if they come slathered in ketchup? No problem. Have you exhausted every potty-training technique only to find that your child will only use the toilet after indulging in Skittles? Bring on the candy.
This approach embraces the idea of utilizing what works best for your child, while disregarding anything harmful or damaging. WIT Parenting recognizes that every child is unique, with individual temperaments and needs. What succeeds with one child may fail with another, and sometimes the best you can do is try every method in your parenting toolkit and hope that something resonates.
One child may respond to a simple stern glance, while another may require different consequences. Yet another may thrive on humor rather than negative reinforcement. WIT Parenting acknowledges these realities, allowing you to do whatever is necessary to facilitate your child’s growth and learning.
However, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid methods that may lead to future behavioral issues. Like true wit, WIT Parenting demands wisdom. There are universal principles that should guide all parents: love your children and demonstrate that love in ways they appreciate, maintain focus on long-term goals, and refrain from giving in to every demand (which can lead to problematic behaviors later). And of course, let’s not forget—never allow your child to pick their nose and wipe it on the furniture; that’s simply unacceptable. Beyond those boundaries, there’s no single correct way to parent with love and intention.
Ultimately, the goal is clear: do whatever it takes to nurture your children into compassionate, educated, and responsible adults while preserving your own sanity. Whether it means finding ways to cope with the daily challenges of parenting, ensuring you get enough rest to enjoy your time with your kids, or discovering strategies to encourage healthy eating habits, embrace whatever works for you. And don’t hesitate to share your successful tips with fellow parents.
WIT Parenting is about perseverance, and for me, that often means indulging in an afternoon chocolate treat and binge-watching Netflix after the kids are asleep. But whatever works for you, embrace it fully.
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Summary
Embracing a parenting philosophy of “Whatever It Takes” allows parents to adapt their strategies to each child’s unique needs. By focusing on love, creativity, and flexibility, parents can navigate the challenges of raising children while maintaining their sanity.