Everyone says that parenting – whoa what! I hate generalizations. But now that I have your attention, for the one that’s ‘Parenting makes you a better Boss/Leader/Employee’ – I would say yes, this is oh so true! And I have receipts, proof, timeline, messages to prove it. But really. Whether you are a working parent, entrepreneur or full time Mommy, this is how I’ve seen being a new parent make me better in my job – and I hope this encourages you, too!

1) Increased Empathy. I bet you are already an empathetic person. Parenting will make you be an empathetic queen on espresso fueled steroids! I’m not saying your emotional capacity quadruples because, tired, but since you are there 100+% for your little one and family, giving your energy, talent and skill to your work – you are know more than most that you are Showing Up. And who knows what already happened to you by 7am that day! The interactions, meetings, tasks, collaborations you have with others are more areas where your understanding for others shows up. Your empathetic muscles have already stretched and grown for your little, and it doesn’t stop there. It adds to your whole world. That being said, it also is important your immediate team has lots of empathy for you, too. Supportive coworkers is absolutely critical to success at work. But more on that later.

2) Faster Decision Making. As a new parent, I know there is a LOT of decision fatigue you have experienced before baby even arrived! (How many strollers do I need to swipe left on?! ) Add sleep deprivation, extra baby appointments and the calendar is looking overbooked. Now, you likely can’t spend 90 minutes revising your presentation deck or perfectly craft your content calendar for Q3. When you have a literal Hard Stop at 4:45pm to relieve your sitter or hop to daycare pickup before traffic explodes, the laptop must be shut and the day to night transition begins. Having stricter timelines sounds daunting, but this actually is empowering. You can now add ‘better decision making’ to your personal and professional resume. This time constraint positions you to increase your decision making speed, enhance your strategic thought process, and make you an even more valuable team member, at home and work. You can continue to contribute your talents, and your day to day is now updated and operates differently.  

3) Strategic Planning/Task Management. On days when the sitter cancels, daycare has a COVID outbreak, surprise snow day, etc, the world does not stop. As a working mom, there are some meetings that can’t be moved, emails for your clients that are time sensitive and other things that Must Be Done. Other tasks can wait, be delegated, adjusted. It’s a big shift if you are used to doing all the things and staying late. I’m not saying blow off all of your responsibilities. You are managing and prioritizing what needs to get done and adjusting the rest. It might mean an occasional late night after bb is sleeping or working on the weekend here and there. And I am all for the takeout/extra caffeine/Ubereats for these moments. Or other selfcare ideas we love.

Even or especially on days when I don’t feel I am operating at 100%, whether it is from a sleepness night from bb E teething, skipping naps (our current struggle) or just navigating the daily lovable toddler chaos, I question my ability to excel. I have truly doubted my ability and energy (and sanity!) to work while being a new Mommy. Do I really have what it takes to navigate Moming and Working? I am learning more every day and just showing up on the daily is my current status. Encouragement and texts from friends, a few hours ‘off duty’ and seeing the small wins (a promotion, a sweet interaction with Bb) go such a long way. If you are a working parent too, it is my honor and responsibility to remind you that by you showing up, you are doing great.

This is how I’ve experienced how being a new mom helps me in the workplace – and I hope it encourages you too! Have you noticed another trait you bring to the workplace as a new working mom or parent? Let us know here or reach out to us on insta at @fashionstoppe.com. 🙂