Lessons From Parenting a Toddler

Leadership Lessons From Parenting a Toddler (That Anyone Can Apply)

This month’s Leadership Lesson is authored by Rachelle Gasior.

As I approach my son’s 2nd birthday (already?! how?!), there are lessons I’m constantly learning as a parent that I think can be applied to the professional world. From communication struggles to embracing change, to how to improve your leadership style. I’m nowhere near a perfect parent – or leader –but having an open mind to learning and staying patient has been helpful. Here are a few lessons inspired by parenting my toddler that anyone can apply—no parenting required.

1. Communication is Key (And Creativity Helps)

Anyone who’s interacted with a two-year-old knows that communication isn’t always easy. Whether it’s deciphering gibberish or understanding their body language, getting the message across takes patience and sometimes creativity. At work, effective communication can often be just as complex. We all know that simply saying something doesn’t always mean it’s understood. It’s important to adapt your communication style to the needs of others. Whether it’s a clear email, a one-on-one conversation, or a visual presentation, being able to connect with others creatively ensures messages are received and understood.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I adjust my communication style based on the needs of the person or situation?
• Do I always leave a meeting with a full understanding of who’s responsible for action items and what are the next steps? Or if I’m leading the meeting, do I make sure the group understands these items? Communication is key here – both for meeting leaders but also you as an attendee.
• How often do I check in with my team to ensure they fully understand what’s being communicated and why?

2. Empathy and Patience: The Cornerstones of Strong Leadership

While a toddler’s frustrations may seem trivial (in my case – no we can’t stand on the back of the couch, next to the corner windowsill, while holding a straw cup), those emotions are real to them, and responding with empathy and patience can make all the difference. Similarly, in leadership, showing empathy toward colleagues and team members is important.

Everyone faces challenges—whether it’s a difficult project, tight deadlines, or personal obstacles—and it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. By demonstrating patience and understanding, you can help foster an environment where your teammates feel supported and valued. Empathy builds trust, and trust is essential to productive, high-performing teams.

Reflect:

• When a team member expresses frustration, do I listen and empathize, or do I focus on fixing the issue quickly?
• How can I have a productive conversation with my manager about my workload and gain their input to get caught up and feel energized again?
• How can I show more patience with my team when things don’t go according to plan?

3. Embrace Change and Adaptability

A toddler is constantly evolving, whether it’s through new words, behaviors, or milestones. I’m often finding what worked yesterday definitely doesn’t work today, and you have to be flexible to meet their changing needs. The same applies to the workplace, where change is inevitable. Whether you’re adjusting to shifting project requirements, learning new technology, or dealing with unexpected challenges, adaptability is key. Embracing change rather than resisting it helps both individuals and teams thrive. I’m generally resistant of change, and always have been; parenting (and Ardeo!) has really helped push me to get comfortable with ambiguity. Just as parents have to adjust their approach to their child’s growing independence, leaders must stay open to new ideas, feedback, and opportunities to ensure their teams remain agile and innovative.

Reflect:

• How do I typically respond to change or unexpected challenges? Do I resist, or do I adapt quickly?
• What is one area of my work or leadership approach that could benefit from greater flexibility?
• How can I better accept that change is inevitable and effectively communicate either my concerns or prioritization questions to my manager?

4. Support Independence, But Be Ready to Guide

Toddlers are eager to do things on their own, whether it’s feeding themselves or picking out their clothes. At the same time, they still need guidance to ensure success. In the workplace, fostering independence in your team is essential for growth and empowerment. It’s important to give team members the space to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and solve problems. For our younger leaders, it’s important to take the extra steps to build that trust with your manager so they foster that independence.

However, just like a toddler might need a gentle hand when something goes wrong, leaders need to offer support when needed—providing feedback, resources, and direction. Striking the balance between autonomy and guidance is what allows teams to flourish and individuals to develop their skills.

Reflect:

• How effective am I in managing up to my boss so that they are comfortable with increased autonomy? What things am I proactively sharing with them to grow that trust?
• Am I giving my team enough space to grow and take ownership of their work?
• When a colleague faces a challenge, do I step in immediately, or do I offer support in a way that allows them to problem-solve independently?

5. Stay Hopeful and Positive, Even in the Face of Challenges

A toddler might experience a tantrum after a toy breaks, but as a parent, you know that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities. Similarly, setbacks in the workplace—whether a missed deadline, a difficult client interaction, or a project delay—don’t define the future. It’s your optimistic outlook and resilience that help the team move forward. Staying hopeful and keeping a positive attitude in the face of adversity can help rally the team and inspire confidence in challenging times. This has been a key focus for me in 2025 – to not be so emotionally invested when things don’t go as planned. As a leader, your mindset can shape the culture of the workplace, creating an environment where setbacks are seen as opportunities to learn and grow.

Reflect:

• When a setback occurs, do I focus on the problem or on the opportunities for growth that lie ahead?
• How often am I self-reflecting on my own work, deadlines and product and asking my manager for guidance and support?

Parenting a toddler may offer a unique perspective on leadership, but the principles it teaches—communication, empathy, adaptability, support, and resilience—are universal. Whether or not you’re a parent, hopefully some of this will enhance your ability to lead with empathy and creativity, inspire your team or empower you to lean in. Like parenting — leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth, support, and moving forward together. I hope some of this resonates with you.