Delegation Isn’t a Dirty Word: What New Parents Can Learn from Business Leadership
This week, I sat across from a new mom who was navigating one of the most common stressors I see in early parenthood: the invisible workload and unclear division of labor that creeps in after baby arrives.
She was exhausted. She had a supportive partner, but still found herself overwhelmed, managing all the moving parts.
She’d ask for help—“Can you give the baby a bath tonight?” He’d agree. But even after asking, she found herself worrying:
- Did he remember the baby lotion?
- Is the towel clean?
- Should I just do it myself?
This wasn’t delegation. This was reassignment—with her still holding the mental clipboard.
The Mental Load: Still Holding the Clipboard
In so many families, one parent (usually the mother) becomes the unofficial project manager of the household. Even when tasks are shared, the responsibility for organizing, remembering, anticipating, and following up often remains on her shoulders.
That’s the mental load.
And it’s why so many moms say, “I have help, but I’m still doing everything.”
Delegation = Trust + Release
In that moment, I shared something I’ve learned not from parenting, but from running a business:
True delegation isn’t just giving someone a task. It’s giving them the outcome.
When I delegate in my business, I assign a responsibility and trust my team to own it, solve problems, and report back. I’m not micromanaging how it gets done—I’m trusting their capability.
What if we applied that same model to family life? What if we let go of how things get done and instead focused on shared responsibility and trust?
This idea was revolutionary to her. And honestly? It kind of lit me up, too.
What Business Taught Me About Family
As a practice owner and mom of three, I’ve spent years learning how to lead teams and build systems. But I’m starting to realize: The same principles that help me lead a sustainable business can help parents build sustainable families.
In our homes, just like in businesses, we need:
- Clear roles
- Shared ownership
- Respect for different working styles
- A culture of trust and follow-through
Because leadership isn't just a work skill. It’s a life skill. And it’s especially valuable in parenting partnerships.
A Simple Family Shift
If this resonates with you, try this:
- Pick one task you usually “own.”
- Fully delegate it—not just the action, but the outcome.
- Let it go. No micromanaging. No checking in.
Then watch what happens. You may find more capacity for rest, connection, and joy.
Resilience Starts with Redefining Control
At its core, this isn’t just about chores. It’s about mental space, emotional freedom, and building equity in relationships. It’s about letting go of the pressure to do it all perfectly and instead learning how to do it together.
Because resilient families aren’t built on perfection. They’re built on communication, trust, and shared responsibility.
Let’s start there.
Want support exploring how this would work for your family? Reach out to my team. We'd love to help.