Are You in the Parenting Business?

At least once a day, I think about how parenting is a lot like running a small business. You’re probably thinking to yourself, really? Yes! Businesses thrive (or fail) based on vision, teamwork, and, most importantly, a plan. And families? Well, they’re no different. In both cases, success doesn’t just happen; it takes intentionality, purpose, and yes, a strategy.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Parenting isn’t about profit margins or bottom lines. But the truth is, approaching parenting with a strategic mindset—a clear mission, family goals, and a set of shared values—can help each of us thrive, just like a well-run business.

Why Family Strategy Matters

Here’s something that might surprise you: 20% of U.S. small businesses fail in their first year, and 50% don’t make it to the five-year mark, according to the Small Business Administration (2023). Why? A lack of planning. Companies with a clear strategy are 60% more likely to succeed long-term than those that simply “wing it” (Harvard Business Review, 2022).

But let’s move beyond businesses for a moment. Families also face real-world consequences when structure and stability are lacking. For example, research shows that children from stable, two-parent households perform better academically and have fewer behavioral issues compared to those from more disrupted family environments (Cross, Harvard University, 2021). Stability in the home doesn’t guarantee success, but it creates fertile ground for growth—just like a solid business plan does for a company.

The stakes go beyond education. Family dynamics also impact health outcomes. According to the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, children from stable family environments are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, and they tend to make healthier lifestyle choices as they grow (Harvard, 2023). In contrast, family instability can increase stress, leading to long-term health issues.

So, why wouldn’t we apply the same principles of strategic planning to our family life? If successful businesses build their futures with clear goals and a mission, doesn’t it make sense to do the same for our families? After all, our families are far more precious than any business could ever be.

Let’s think about parenting as an intentional, purpose-driven endeavor. I’ve found it so powerful to think of my family as a “team” with shared values, goals, and a roadmap that keeps us moving forward together. Does this mean that I have all the answers? Hardly. But just like in business, the strength of a family lies not in its perfection but in its commitment to growth, unity, and purpose. With the right mindset and tools, we can create not only a nurturing environment for our kids but also a legacy of stability and success for generations to come. Isn’t that worth the investment?

Building Your Family Plan

Just as every business needs a strategy, every family can benefit from a few core “business principles.” Here are some fundamentals I’ll be exploring in this blog:

1. Family Mission and Values: Knowing what we stand for helps guide us, especially during those inevitable ups and downs.

2. Goal-Setting for Everyone: Each member of our family has unique dreams and talents. Setting personal goals can help everyone fulfill their potential.

3. Structure and Routines: They might sound boring, but routines create a framework that supports everyone’s growth and happiness. In business, it’s a system; in family life, it’s a sense of stability, predictability, and connection.

4. Open Communication: Businesses rise and fall on the strength of communication, and family life is no different. Having open, honest conversations keeps us close and grounded.

   
   

What’s Next?

At the end of the day, I’m not suggesting you draft a formal business plan for your family (though if that works for you, go for it!). Instead, I invite you to reflect on the power of having a strategy, a purpose, and a vision for your family’s future. Ask yourself: “Are we living with purpose? Are we nurturing growth, kindness, and grit in each other?”

Parenting is about more than just getting through the day; it’s about building a thriving family environment where everyone is inspired to grow and legacies are built. So, are you in the parenting business? If you’re ready to join me, let’s get strategic about creating a “family company” that’s grounded in love, driven by purpose, and thriving together.

With warmth and a lot of grit,

Jackie M.

Sources:

• Small Business Administration. (2023). “Survival Rates and the Importance of Planning.”

• Harvard Business Review. (2022). “The Importance of Strategic Planning for Business Success.”