When I first found out I was expecting my first child, I dove headfirst into the world of parenting literature, consuming various philosophies and methodologies like they were candy. Like many new parents, I was eager to arm myself with knowledge, ready to face the challenges of parenthood with confidence. From sleep training to potty training to motivation techniques, I thought I had every potential issue covered with expert advice. I even had a few favorite strategies that really resonated with me, leading me to believe we would sail through parenthood without a hitch.
But, as most seasoned parents will tell you, reality is often quite different from theory. Our first child made parenting seem like a breeze; I could have easily written a self-congratulatory how-to guide based on our experiences. However, when our second child arrived, I quickly learned that what worked wonders for my firstborn was utterly ineffective with her sibling. My confidence took a hit, and by the time our third child came along, I realized that the parenting playbook I thought I had mastered was more like a collection of random strategies that didn’t always apply.
Fast forward 15 years, and I can confidently say that I’ve developed my own unique approach to parenting—let’s call it WIT Parenting.
Now, “wit” in the traditional sense is important in parenting, as it embodies quick thinking, creativity, and humor. But in this context, WIT stands for “Whatever It Takes.” That’s right—whatever it takes to navigate the ups and downs of parenting. Feel free to adopt this concept and add it to your collection of parenting styles next to Attachment Parenting and Scream-Free Parenting.
The beauty of WIT Parenting is its emphasis on creativity and flexibility. It opens the door to unconventional solutions—whether that means your baby sleeps best in their car seat in the bathroom with a fan for white noise or your toddler will only eat veggies if they’re doused in ketchup. Maybe you’ve tried every potty-training technique known to humankind and found that your little one only feels comfortable using the toilet after indulging in some Skittles. Whatever works!
This is the essence of WIT Parenting: a no-nonsense approach that encourages you to use what’s effective and leave the rest behind. It acknowledges that each child is a distinct individual with their own temperament. What resonates with one child may not with another, and sometimes you just need to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.
One child might respond well to a stern look, while another might need a completely different form of discipline. Some kids thrive with positive reinforcement, while others may need a dash of humor to get back on track. WIT Parenting embraces this diverse reality, recognizing that it’s all about guiding your child from point A to point B in their growth journey.
Of course, it’s important to exercise discernment. WIT Parenting doesn’t mean giving in to every whim if it leads to long-term issues. Like genuine wit, WIT Parenting calls for a level of intelligence. There are fundamental principles that should guide your approach: love your kids in a way they can feel, keep the bigger picture in mind, and avoid giving in to every demand. And for goodness’ sake, no picking noses and wiping them on furniture—that’s just gross!
Ultimately, the goal is simple: whatever it takes to nurture your children into kind, educated, and contributing adults while maintaining your own sanity is what matters. If it means getting through the day without losing your cool or finding ways to ensure you get enough sleep, then go for it. If you need to find effective strategies to encourage your kids to eat their veggies, do what you must! And remember, sharing your discoveries with other parents can be invaluable.
WIT Parenting is all about persevering through the chaos. For me, that often involves indulging in a little chocolate and binging on Netflix once the kids are asleep. But really, it’s about finding what works for you.
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In summary, WIT Parenting champions the idea that there’s no single right way to raise your children. It’s about embracing flexibility and creativity, adjusting your approach based on your unique family dynamics, and doing whatever it takes to foster a loving, nurturing environment.
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