Lessons from My Toughest Year: How I Found Joy in Parenting and Leadership Again

“The darkest hour has only sixty minutes.” – Morris Mandel

When I was in my Senior HR Leadership role, balancing the pressures of a leadership role with the responsibilities of parenting felt like an uphill battle. I was stretched too thin, unsure if I could keep up with the demands of either role. But through perseverance and the right guidance, I rediscovered joy in both parenting and leadership. Here’s how I turned my toughest years into those of growth and fulfillment.

The Breaking Point: Recognising the Struggle

As a working parent, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly falling short. Between late-night work calls and early-morning school runs, I barely had time to breathe, let alone reflect. The strain of juggling parenting challenges for leaders began to take its toll.

The turning point came during a candid conversation with a parent coach. They helped me realise that what I was experiencing wasn’t a failure—it was an opportunity to reassess my priorities and redefine success. For parents in leadership roles, moments like these are often the catalyst for meaningful change.

Lessons That Changed Everything

1. Prioritise What Truly Matters

One of the first things I learned from parent coaching for mums was to identify my non-negotiables. For me, that meant carving out uninterrupted time with my family and setting boundaries at work. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

In a leadership role, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of your team and workplace. However, leader parents quickly realise that prioritising their family is just as important as meeting deadlines. Making intentional choices about where to focus your energy is key to thriving in both roles.

2. Embrace Imperfection

The need to be a “perfect” parent and leader was a heavy burden. My working parent coach taught me that imperfection is not failure; it’s humanity. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, I found more peace and joy in everyday moments.

For leader parents, this lesson is especially important. Leadership parenting is about finding balance—not perfection. When we accept our flaws, we create space for growth and connection, both at work and at home.

3. Seek Support

Parenting and leadership are not solo journeys. I reached out to a parent coach near me, joined a supportive community of working parents, and leaned on my partner for shared responsibilities. The collective wisdom and encouragement made all the difference.

For parents in leadership roles, seeking support is not a weakness; it’s a strength. Whether it’s through a parent coach or a trusted network, having a support system allows you to face challenges with confidence and clarity.

Rebuilding Joy: Practical Steps

1. Create a Routine That Works for You

Structure brings clarity and reduces overwhelm. My coach and I developed a weekly schedule that balanced work deadlines with family time. Sticking to this routine helped me regain control over my days. For leader parents, a well-planned routine can be the difference between chaos and calm.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

In both parenting and leadership, progress often comes in small, incremental steps. Celebrating these moments, like completing a work project or teaching my child a new skill, kept me motivated. Leadership parenting teaches us to appreciate the little victories that eventually lead to big successes.

3. Practise Gratitude

Every evening, I reflected on three things I was grateful for. This simple practice shifted my perspective and helped me focus on the positives. In a leadership role, gratitude is a powerful tool for maintaining a positive mindset and inspiring your team.

Final Thoughts

For many, the dual challenge of parenting and leadership can feel overwhelming. However, parents in leadership roles are uniquely positioned to bring empathy, resilience, and adaptability to both their family and their workplace.

If you’re a parent feeling the weight of leadership and family responsibilities, know that you’re not alone. A working parent coach can provide the guidance and tools you need to thrive in both roles. Don’t wait until you hit a breaking point—connect with a parent coach near you today and start reclaiming joy in your life.