Thrive as a Working Parent and Raise Confident Children

As time-poor parents pursuing full careers and creating amazing childhoods for our children, we have our work cut out.

When you first found out you were having a baby, no doubt you read every book or article you could get your hands on and attended classes to prepare.

Once your baby arrived, you knew your life would never be the same again... and you would love the miracle that lay before you in a way you never previously imagined.

What you didn’t know and couldn’t prepare for was how much you’d be required to change to accommodate this baby, this person. And as much work as it is, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Add a career to this picture and reality kicks in — the logistics of child care and school, carers and teachers to connect with, other parents to catch up with, and then the paperwork. Who knew there’d be so much paperwork?! On top of that, you find out all sorts of things about your partner that were okay to handle before a child... but after a child — not so much! Come on, be honest... or was it just me?

And in amongst all this, nowhere once are you taught how to thrive within the sheer volume of responsibility. It’s not necessarily about reducing your career (although that’s an option some choose)... it’s about this question:

How do I do all the things that make me feel alive and ensure my children and family thrive too?

This isn’t just about survival. This is a conversation around fulfilment. If we’re referencing Maslow, you’ve got the basic, social and belonging needs down pat (or thereabouts). You’re doing these well. This conversation is about fulfilling your potential and your child’s potential in the most efficient and human way possible.

You want to raise kick-ass children, who do kick-ass well in life... and are happy and healthy to boot.

You want to be an awesome role model and make meaningful contributions at home and at work.

And what’s a parent supposed to do when time is such a big issue? Most organisations talk about work-life balance, but let’s face it, most cultures still need to catch up. Parents who leave early or arrive late are often judged — even though they’re often doing more than their fair share. (To be fair, things are changing... just not as fast as I’d like.)

When I work with executives and leaders about raising extraordinary kids with limited time, I bring them back to three key areas. These three things help your child feel loved, seen and heard — even in the busiest seasons.

They are: Love, Acceptance and Understanding.

Let’s dig into each one.

Love (LOVE)

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Of course I love my child, you might say.

But the reality is that most of us grow up believing we’re only loved for certain reasons.

“I’m loved because I did well at sport.”

“I’m loved because I got a certificate at school.”

“I’m loved because I’m kind to others.”

The list of conditions goes on...

Most of us have experienced love that came with strings attached.

And truthfully, it’s difficult to love a child unconditionally when we don’t yet love ourselves unconditionally. I know I still beat myself up when I don’t hit certain business milestones. I live this work, and yet I’m still unravelling the subconscious belief that I’m only lovable if I’m achieving (I’m working on it...!).

If that rings true for you too, you’ll understand the importance of unravelling these layers. They directly impact how your child receives love.

So where can you focus as a busy parent?

Focus on your availability.

We live in the age of distraction. You might be talking to your child while checking messages or replying to emails. Creating a practice of mindfulness — even 10 minutes a day of intentional presence — helps your child formulate the belief that they are worthy of your time and attention.

By giving your presence, you not only give love... you receive it too.

A child who believes they are loved no matter what has a launchpad to pursue anything they want.

Acceptance (SEEN)

Contrary to popular belief, acceptance isn’t about giving in to your child or excusing difficult behaviour. It’s about saying:

“I accept my child for who they are, even when I don’t like their behaviour.”

You may not like the tone they used or the mess they made... but you can still give yourself space to choose how you respond.

If you find yourself frequently blaming them, judging yourself, or complaining to others — you’re likely giving away your power to shift the dynamic.

How many times have you caught yourself saying something like:

“I just don’t know why he always does this…” or “I’m such a bad parent”?

Awareness is useful. Berating yourself (or them) is not.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

— Viktor E. Frankl

So where can you focus as a busy parent?

Focus on your accessibility.

Accessibility is the degree to which your child feels safe and comfortable to approach you.

Ask yourself:

• How often do I expect my child to be someone they’re not?

• Do I want them to be sporty because I was?

• Do I push them toward certain interests or behaviours to meet my needs?

Becoming aware of these subtle biases helps you become more approachable. It builds psychological safety and connection — even in five-minute conversations.

Understanding (HEARD)

To truly understand your child, you first need to understand yourself.

Are you routine-driven, while your child is spontaneous? Are you big-picture, while your child loves details?

Self-awareness unlocks empathy. Most parents have taken workplace personality tests like MBTI, DISC or StrengthsFinder... but have you ever considered doing one in the context of parenting?

Dr. Dan Siegel, author of The Whole-Brain Child, put it perfectly:

“The #1 predictor of a child’s wellbeing is a parent’s self-understanding.”

The number one area where my clients create transformation in their families is by gaining understanding of their own attitudes and motivations.

So where can you focus as a busy parent?

Focus on your adaptability.

Let’s say you’re a big-picture thinker, but your child loves details. When they’re telling you a long story with what feels like way too much information, it’s easy to tune out. (Do we really need to know the dog in the story was wearing a red collar?)

But... your child might care deeply about those details.

The more you understand your own preferences and biases, the more appreciation you’ll gain for theirs. This makes communication more effective and creates more listening on both sides.

So to recap:

For Love, focus on your availability

For Acceptance, focus on your accessibility

For Understanding, focus on your adaptability

These aren’t overnight fixes — they’re quiet, ongoing shifts. Be kind to yourself along the way.

You’ve got this.

Ready to build a thriving family life without burning out? If you want support to integrate these tools in real life (not just read about them), check out my Stressed to Best Parent Method — perfect for time-poor parents wanting better connection, fewer meltdowns and more calm.