The Parallels Between Parenting and Managing Projects

Eleri is an experienced project coordinator with a varied background managing and coordinating projects across multiple sectors, including property management, digital product development, and defense.

  Leadership   Stakeholder Management  

Have you ever tried negotiating with a 3-year-old who refuses to wear a coat in the rain? Now imagine doing the same with a project stakeholder. Both scenarios involve patience, flexibility, and a touch of creativity. As a mum of two (ages 3 and 4) and a project coordinator, I can confirm that the skills I use at home and work are not just transferable—they’re practically interchangeable.

From toddler tantrums to project budgets, both worlds demand precision, adaptability, and endless negotiation. And while managing stakeholders is challenging, it has nothing on convincing a small child to eat their vegetables. Here’s how my dual roles overlap—and how lessons from one world often help me navigate the other.

1. Scheduling: The Ultimate Jigsaw Puzzle
At work, scheduling is one of my top responsibilities. Overseeing process management, property renovations, and operational projects means balancing deadlines, resources, and priorities. At home, the stakes are just as high—if not higher. School runs, nursery drop-offs, meal prep, toilet training, and bedtime routines require military precision.

Take Christmas, for example. Ensuring my children are excited for the season means managing multiple events—school nativities, visits to Santa, festive day trips—all while staying on budget. Add in the practicalities of travelling with kids …

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