Can you believe it? Today’s the day; I washed all the dishes. Meal-prepped for the entire week. Sorted the mail. Finished that pile of laundry. And even folded all the clothes!

Juuuust kidding… NONE of that is true, I’m a working parent! 😉

My husband, Jeff, and I have two boys that are under the age of 10, and with both of us working full-time, things around the house can get a little hectic. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! Today, September 16th, is National Working Parents Day – a day to, “celebrate those amazing parents who work hard all year to provide for their families. It’s a time to show some appreciation and share the love in celebration of these folks who are constantly on the job and on the go with their families!” (daysoftheyear.com)

To all of the parents working to make it all happen; kids, daycare, work, after school activities, dinner, sports, and just being able to be present with your family… you rock!

Leadership Skills You Learn from Being a Working Parent

Although chaotic, being a working parent sure has its advantages. For example, I have the privilege of working remotely, so I’m able to be there for my kids to get off the school bus every afternoon. They’re old enough that I can get them off the bus, get them a quick snack, and let them do their thing (homework, playing outside, hanging out in their rooms), while I get back to my desk and finish the workday. It’s great that I can be there for them every day, and also that they can be there for me in helping me build skills that are invaluable in today’s workforce. Check out the list below of leadership skills you learn from being a parent:

Organization: From managing school calendars, doctor’s appointments, extracurriculars, and birthday parties to keeping track of who likes what in their lunch (which, at times, is easier said than done!), parenting requires a constant mental checklist. You have to plan ahead, set priorities, and anticipate needs before they become problems. These organizational skills are also incredibly valuable in the workplace. As a leader, being organized means you can manage multiple projects, communicate clearly, and keep your team aligned and focused.

Time Management: When you have kids, time management isn’t optional; it’s a necessity! Mornings are a carefully choreographed routine of school lunches, lost shoes, and getting everyone out the door on time – all before the workday has even begun. And in my case, attempting to keep the puppy in line, too! You learn to multitask and prioritize quickly, pivot when things go off-plan, and still make it all work out. That same ability to juggle competing demands under pressure directly translates to leadership. It sharpens your focus, strengthens your ability to delegate, and helps you stay calm throughout chaos. Parents are constantly leading a team (their family), and that experience makes them more adaptable and effective leaders in the workplace.

Emotional Intelligence: Have you ever tried to reason with a toddler having a meltdown? Parents know that it can take LOTS of patience, along with the ability to manage the kiddos emotions (as well as their own). Whether it’s calming a meltdown, navigating sibling arguments (of which we have plenty!), or supporting a child through nervousness or self-doubt, parenting teaches us to stay emotionally present. These same skills are important in leadership. Understanding how to listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and support others through stress builds trust and strengthens teams. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a parenting superpower – it’s a leadership advantage that fosters a healthier, more human workplace.

Decision Making: No matter how old your kids are, you’re constantly facing decisions in life. What’s the best way to potty train? What daycare should we send them to? How much screen time should we allow? What chores should we have the kids help with? The list goes on, and on, and on! As parents learn to make these types of decisions, they learn to weigh risks and consider long-term impacts. This sharpens their decision-making abilities in a unique way, and as a leader at work, this skill translates into confident, thoughtful choices that balance short-term needs with long-term goals.

If you’re a parent who has many of these great leadership qualities and are ready to explore a new career opportunity, Goodwin Recruiting is here to be a resource for you. We have job openings added to our job board daily, including work-from-home opportunities. We also offer a remote recruiting partnership opportunity for those who are interested in strong earning potential and the flexibility to be there for the things that matter most in their life. Finding a job that aligns with your busy life is so important! Let Goodwin Recruiting help you find success in your career while allowing you to be there for your kids sports games, school concerts, and all of the important things in life.