Menu
Parenting
My Most Essential Tool for Parenting
by Sarah Johnson
Sep. 14, 2023
After over 15 years of raising three children, I’ve assembled a diverse array of parenting strategies. I have redirection tactics, positive reinforcement techniques, time-ins, time-outs, and even my signature “I mean business” glare. Essentially, I have an entire toolkit at my disposal for various parenting scenarios.
If you were to inquire about the one tool I would choose above all others, the one I would gladly keep while discarding the rest? It would undeniably be humor. No other strategy comes close.
Perhaps it’s due to my natural inclination towards humor, or maybe it’s the fact that parenting provides an endless source of comedic material. Regardless, humor has rescued both me and my children from countless challenging situations.
When my teenager, Lily, starts to exhibit typical teenage angst, I find that making her laugh is the most effective remedy. It doesn’t require much effort; a silly expression, a goofy voice, or an impromptu dance can lift her spirits almost instantly. Laughter helps both of us relax and melts away any tension that may have arisen between us. Even when she pretends to be annoyed that I’m interrupting her grumpiness, I can see her mood brighten, almost as if her prickles of frustration are dissolving before my eyes. It’s a delightful transformation.
When one of my children begins to complain about dinner, I often find myself resisting the urge to launch into a lengthy lecture about starving children and first-world problems—a lecture I have delivered on occasion. However, I’ve discovered that I achieve better results by introducing an element of absurdity. For example, I might challenge them to eat their dinner using their toes or tell them that if they don’t finish their meal in three bites—including the plate and cutlery—I’ll make them clean my toenails with their toothbrush. It seems that kids find toes hilarious, and employing absurdity as a parenting strategy is often underrated.
While it may take some effort to incorporate humor into my parenting approach, it ultimately boils down to a mindset. I aim to make laughter my first response when addressing disciplinary issues. Humor fosters connection, and I always want our family to feel united, even during moments of conflict. As long as no one is laughing at another, sharing a laugh is the ultimate bonding experience. When challenges arise, I prioritize creating a joyful atmosphere before diving into discussions about the underlying issues. Establishing this lighthearted environment often makes meaningful conversations more productive.
Furthermore, humor is incredibly beneficial for my frazzled nerves as a mother. Laughter amidst chaos is far more advantageous than succumbing to panic. Although it’s challenging when immersed in the chaos—messes, meltdowns, and constant distractions—if you can momentarily detach and observe the craziness from a distance, all that’s left to do is laugh. Crying is also an option, but laughter is undeniably more enjoyable.
We could all benefit from lightening up. Life is often humorous, and children, in particular, are a constant source of amusement. Letting go of the notion that everything must be perfect or that every misstep requires serious analysis can be liberating.
Indeed, parenting may be one of the most demanding endeavors you will ever undertake, but it is also one of the most entertaining. By focusing on the humorous aspects, the challenges become more manageable.
In summary, embracing humor as a primary parenting tool not only strengthens family bonds but also alleviates stress. Parenting is a journey filled with laughter, and recognizing the humor in daily life can transform the arduous task of raising children into a joyful experience.
For further insights on home insemination, check out this article. For more information about pregnancy, you can refer to this excellent resource. Additionally, if you’re considering at-home insemination, BabyMaker offers valuable information on the topic.