When and how to ask for support.
When Parenting Feels Like a Strategy Problem
Not all business problems require a specialized external consultant. Many organizations have their own in-house strategy teams that monitor the landscape, assess market opportunities, understand internal capabilities (often better than any outsider), engage with stakeholders, conduct research and data analysis, generate strategic options, and ultimately help leadership make critical decisions.
Whether internal or external, strategy consulting is typically anchored in a time-bound project focused on a “tricky problem” that demands a thoughtful solution.
Every organization has internal staff who keep things running, managing day-to-day operations, paying vendors, and delivering services or products to customers. But when a major disruption occurs, or a significant opportunity presents itself, the business needs to pause, take a step back, assess the landscape, and make decisions that could redefine its future.
That’s when external consultants often come in. Companies bring them in for their impartiality, dedicated focus, and deep industry knowledge, especially when the stakes are high and internal bandwidth is limited. These “tricky problems” can range from launching a new product to acquiring a business or pivoting to a new market. In each case, a strategic project is launched to answer key questions, explore options, and define a path forward.
At the heart of this kind of work is a clear process: define the problem, envision the outcome, and determine the time frame for decision-making.
Now, here’s where the parenting connection comes in.
As a parenting coach, I help families navigate their own “tricky problems” – those moments that feel overwhelming, urgent, and deeply consequential. The kinds of challenges parents face can be just as complex and high-stakes as any business dilemma. And they often require that same structured, strategic support to move forward confidently.
Here are just a few examples of parenting “strategy problems” I help with:
Newborn and infant care – Building routines around feeding, sleep, and development
Navigating developmental delays – Working within healthcare systems to access evaluations and support
Understanding diagnoses – Interpreting clinical feedback and determining next steps
Identifying learning needs – Spotting when a child may need extra support or adaptation
Accessing therapies and treatments – Researching and coordinating services based on your child’s needs
Advocating for neurodivergent children – Partnering with schools to support your child’s education and well-being
Choosing education models – Weighing options like public, private, homeschooling, or hybrid based on your region and values
Finding providers – Locating qualified specialists for health, developmental, or educational concerns
Just like in business, these parenting challenges deserve time, space, and support to process. They deserve thoughtful analysis, not panic. And you don’t have to go through it alone.
As your parenting coach, I step in like a trusted advisor would in a strategic business moment: to help you define the problem, consider your options, and support you in making a confident, informed decision that works for your unique family.