Married
Father of Alyssa (7)
Orlando, Florida
In the short time that I’ve been a dad I’ve found that so many people will have suggestions on what you should be doing as a parent. The truth of the matter is those people, if they even have kids, got through parenthood the same way you will; by winging it.
Now I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be thoughtful about the decisions you make in parenting. That is a human you’re responsible for. For his/her sake you can’t afford to be reckless about whatever decisions you make. What I am saying is each child, each day, and each moment is different. You never know what curveball life is going to throw at you. You just have to adjust to the pitch.
I’m also not saying don’t listen to people’s advice, solicited or unsolicited. Hearing what other people did for or went through with their kids can be informative and comforting. Just don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re doing it wrong when you’re doing the best you can.
All winging it as a parent means is that you need to be thoughtful, flexible and creative. It’s what our children require of us. Critically think about what’s best for your child. Always be willing to adapt and change when the time calls for it. Think of new ways to handle a situation when the old, or whatever way you planned to handle a situation, is no longer viable.