Parenting Like a CEO: Leading Your Family with Love and Wisdom


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You’re going to doubt yourself so much on your parenting journey.

When you become a first-time parent, your baby’s diaper becomes headline news in your household. Any slight change, and you’re on high alert, literally “Breaking News,” worrying over the implications.

The growth chart in the baby book turns into a rollercoaster of emotions, sparking joy and angst in equal measure.

When your once chatty kids turn as quiet as a clam, it’s enough to make you lose sleep, pondering over what could possibly be wrong.

Dr. Google becomes your immediate go-to for any parenting query or concern about your child. You find yourself deep-diving into forums, reading about other people’s experiences and expert opinions. Sometimes, this advice seems like a godsend; other times, it feels like just another weight on your already burdened shoulders.

Having been a parent for 19 years, I consider myself quite the expert when it comes to my three kids.

But honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been a parent for a day or a decade. The moment you become a parent, your baby needs you to be their biggest advocate—sometimes on their behalf, sometimes because we bring a wealth of life experience and knowledge to the table.

Yet, some people in society seem to think that parenting doesn’t qualify as expertise because we don’t have a degree in it.

I once had someone, a professional in a highly respected field, tell me straight up—“no offence, but being a parent doesn’t make you an expert.” They argued that since I’m not a psychologist or a psychiatrist, my views on my children aren’t fully credible.

That comment was a low blow.

To have someone I barely knew, who I’d met for less than an hour, dismiss my role as a mom so casually—just because I don’t have a PhD in parenting? It was disheartening.

Parenting is one of the most emotionally invested journeys you can embark on. Sure, with time, I’ve gathered more tools and experiences to help navigate this path, but there are still moments when I’m absolutely terrified of the decisions I have to make for my kids.

But here’s the thing—we are the experts when it comes to our kids. No one knows them better than we do. We are their leaders, their Chief Executive Officers.

I’m not saying we have all the answers. Doctors, teachers, psychiatrists, therapists—none of them have all the answers either. And let’s be real, there’s not a CEO in the world who knows everything. But what good leaders do is gather the brightest minds and work together towards a shared goal.

This shared goal in parenting is deeply rooted in love, understanding, and the unwavering belief in our children's potential. In other words, trust. It's about acknowledging our fears and doubts, yet choosing to lead with faith and confidence. When you find yourself questioning your decisions, remember the immense love that guides those choices. Love is the compass that ensures we're heading in the right direction, even when the path is uncharted.

In moments of doubt, reach out to your community—be it family, friends, or online support groups. Sharing your experiences and concerns can not only provide you with different perspectives but also remind you that you're not alone in this journey. Often, it's through these conversations that we find reassurance and strength. If we never reach out, no one can help us. 

Celebrate the small victories along the way. Parenting is not just about the milestones and achievements but also about the quiet moments of connection and understanding. Give yourself a pat on the back, recognize the impact of your daily efforts, the lessons taught in patience and kindness, and the values instilled through your actions. 

Empower yourself with knowledge, but also trust in your intuition. While information is valuable, your instincts about your child's needs and well-being are equally important. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. What works for one family may not work for another, and that's okay.

Finally, grant yourself grace. Parenting is a journey of continuous learning and growth, not just for your child but for you as well. Allow yourself the space to make mistakes, to learn from them, and to evolve. Your willingness to adapt and grow is a powerful model for your children, teaching them resilience, compassion, and the beauty of human imperfection.

As you navigate the highs and lows of parenting, keep faith in the knowledge that you are doing your best. Your love, dedication, and commitment to your child's well-being are the most powerful tools you have. Trust in yourself, lean on your community, and remember that in the heart of your child, you are their hero, their guide, and their biggest advocate.

 

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