Value of Full-Time Parenting: It’s More Than a Gap on a CV

Written by Rania Kudsi

Published by Global HCI

?? I recently came across a CV that caught my attention—not for traditional career achievements, but because the candidate showcased their full-time parenting experience as valuable professional work. The inclusion was thoughtful and conveyed a deep understanding of the skills they’d gained through parenting—skills that directly transfer to the workplace. It reminded me how the journey of raising children and managing a household is far from a gap in employment; it’s an enriching experience that builds resilience, organization, and interpersonal skills—qualities any employer would value. ??

?? Many of us who have stepped back from traditional career paths to focus on family might feel embarrassed or pressured to explain the "time off." We might feel as though we've lost opportunities to travel or grow professionally because we chose to work remotely to stay close to our children. But the truth is, during this time, we’ve gained leadership, management, and problem-solving skills that deserve recognition. We should be proud of what we’ve accomplished, and it’s time to shift the narrative—parenting is not a "gap," it’s an experience, and one of the most challenging and rewarding with many transferrable skills ??

?? Parenting: The Ultimate Leadership Role

When we think of leadership, we often think of the corporate world. But as a parent, you are the leader of your home, managing people and tasks, guiding your children’s growth, and making important decisions every day. In fact, insights show that personal relationships are among the most challenging to lead, requiring deep empathy, patience, and adaptability.

Leadership in parenting involves:

Delegation – sharing responsibilities within the household

Mentorship – helping children grow and develop

Fostering independence – encouraging autonomy and resilience

These skills directly translate into professional leadership roles.

?? Using Different Management Styles in Parenting

Just as in the workplace, parenting involves using different management styles to fit the needs of your “team” (your family). Some days, you may adopt a democratic leadership approach, where everyone in the family has input, and decisions are made collaboratively. Other times, especially in moments of crisis or when quick decisions are needed, an authoritative or directive leadership style is more effective.

In the same way, forming and developing your family “team” involves understanding the dynamics of team formation and adapting your leadership approach through different stages.

?? Leadership Styles and Team Formation in Parenting

Leadership Styles:

• ???? Authoritative: At times, you need to step in and make firm decisions, especially in moments of crisis or when boundaries need to be set. This approach helps provide structure and clarity.
• ??? Democratic: In many instances, it’s beneficial to involve your children in decision-making processes, encouraging them to express their opinions and contribute ideas. This fosters independence and confidence.
• ?? Coaching: Much like a mentor at work, parents often take on a coaching role, guiding their children through challenges and helping them develop important life skills.
• ?? Delegative: As your children grow older, delegating tasks is crucial to teaching responsibility and leadership. Giving them ownership of household chores or small projects builds their confidence and prepares them for future roles.

Team Formation Stages:

• ??? Forming: When your children are young, the “forming” stage is all about establishing roles, rules, and routines. You are guiding them through the early stages of development, setting clear expectations for behavior and responsibilities.
• ??? Storming: As children grow and test boundaries, the “storming” phase begins. This can involve conflict, negotiation, and sometimes power struggles. As a parent, you navigate this phase by maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, and fostering understanding.
• ?? Norming: Over time, your family settles into routines, and everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This is the “norming” stage, where cooperation becomes smoother, and everyone works more harmoniously.
• ?? Performing: When your children begin to take on more responsibility and independence, they move into the “performing” stage. As a parent, you’ve successfully guided them to become capable, confident individuals who can lead themselves.

?? Skills Gained from Full-Time Parenting

• ?? Financial Management: Managing household budgets and expenses, which mirrors the financial planning required in business.
• ? Time Management and Prioritization: Juggling multiple responsibilities—from school schedules to household management—develops exceptional time management and multitasking abilities.
• ??? Handling Difficult Personalities and Influencing Behavior: As a parent, you are constantly dealing with difficult situations, negotiating with your children, and influencing positive behavioral changes. This mirrors the skills needed to manage challenging colleagues or clients in a professional setting.
• ?? Goal Setting and Performance Management: Whether it’s using chore charts or establishing routines, parents set goals and track their children’s progress, reflecting performance management techniques used in professional environments.
• ?? Leadership and Team Building: Parents guide their families through different stages of development, using various leadership styles to nurture independence and teamwork, much like managing a professional team.
• ?? Crisis Management: Whether it’s managing a family emergency or handling the daily chaos of life with kids, parents develop strong crisis management skills, staying calm and making quick decisions under pressure.
• ?? Coaching and Mentoring: Parents naturally take on the role of mentor and coach, helping their children develop skills, overcome challenges, and grow into confident individuals.
• ?? Project and Event Management: From organizing family vacations to planning birthday parties, parents manage the logistics, timelines, and resources needed to execute successful events, mirroring the role of a project manager.
• ?? Stress Management and Resilience: Parenting is a high-pressure, high-stakes job, requiring emotional resilience, stress management, and the ability to keep pushing forward without immediate recognition.
• ?? Team Formation and Development: As your family grows, you guide your children through different stages of development, adapting your leadership style to ensure their growth and success, much like forming and developing a high-performing team at work.
• ?? Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Every day as a parent brings new challenges, requiring you to think on your feet and find creative solutions, skills essential in today’s fast-paced work environments.

?? We Should Be Proud of Our Accomplishments

Parenting is a full-time, complex role that requires resilience, leadership, and constant learning. It’s time we stop downplaying the skills we’ve developed during this period and start recognizing them as invaluable experiences that translate directly to the workplace. So the next time you update your CV, don’t hesitate to include your time as a full-time parent. It’s not a gap—it’s a period of immense growth, challenge, and development. And those experiences deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged as key parts of your professional journey.

?? Embracing Parenthood as Professional Growth: Essential Takeaway for Employers, Hiring Managers, and Recruiters

This article isn’t just for parents but also for companies, hiring managers, and recruiters. Recognizing the unique skills and adaptability developed through parenting can lead to better employment practices, valuing diverse experiences that contribute to well-rounded, resilient, and empathetic team members. Let’s work toward an inclusive employment environment that acknowledges all paths of professional growth.