Today, I’m diving into the amusing parallels between my life as a mother of two adorable (and occasionally rambunctious) boys and my role as a manager in the building engineering field. Yes, you read that right! There are more similarities between wrangling kids and managing an engineering team than you might think. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment here!) and let’s explore these delightful connections.

1. Crisis Management: Toddler Tantrums vs. Project Deadlines

In both motherhood and engineering, crises are a daily occurrence. At home, a toddler’s meltdown over the wrong color cup can feel as urgent as a client’s last-minute changes to a project. The key in both scenarios? Stay calm, breathe deeply, and remember that this too shall pass. Whether it’s negotiating with a four-year-old over bedtime or convincing a client that the original design was perfect, a sense of humor and a lot of patience are essential.

2. Multitasking Masters

Moms and managers are the ultimate multitaskers. At home, I might be cooking dinner with one hand, holding the baby with the other, and mentally reviewing the grocery list. At work, I’m juggling multiple projects, client meetings, and team check-ins. The secret to success? A good to-do list and the ability to laugh at the chaos. And let’s be honest, sometimes both roles require the same amount of coffee.

3. Endless Questions and Problem-Solving

If there’s one thing kids and engineers have in common, it’s their endless questions. “Why is the sky blue?” from a four-year-old isn’t too far off from “Why isn’t this design working?” from a team member. Both roles require patience, creativity, and a knack for problem-solving. Plus, both kids and engineers seem to have a sixth sense for asking these questions at the most inconvenient times!

4. The Art of Delegation

As a mother, I’ve learned the art of delegation. My four-year-old can now (sort of) tidy up his toys, and my husband can handle bath time. In the office, delegating tasks to my team members ensures that projects move forward smoothly. Trusting others to handle their responsibilities is crucial in both roles—though let’s be honest, sometimes supervising the delegation is a job in itself.

5. Celebrating Small Wins

Whether it’s a successful potty training session or a project milestone met, celebrating small victories keeps morale high. At home, we have dance parties for successful bedtimes. At work, a well-done project calls for a team lunch or a simple acknowledgment. Finding joy in these moments makes the challenges more bearable and reminds us why we love what we do.

6. The Unexpected Curveballs

Both motherhood and engineering management come with their fair share of surprises. A sudden fever at 3 a.m. is just as unpredictable as a project’s unforeseen complication. The key is flexibility and a good sense of humor. When life throws curveballs, sometimes all you can do is laugh and adapt.

7. Building Strong Relationships

Ultimately, both roles are about building strong, trusting relationships. At home, it’s about creating a loving and supportive environment for my family. At work, it’s fostering a collaborative and positive atmosphere for my team. In both realms, empathy, understanding, and clear communication are the foundations of success.

So, there you have it! Being a mother and an engineering manager might seem like two completely different worlds, but they share more similarities than you’d expect. Both roles require patience, creativity, multitasking, and, most importantly, a great sense of humor. Whether I’m managing a tantrum or a team meeting, I embrace the chaos with a smile (and maybe a few tears).

Remember, no matter how overwhelming it gets, there’s always time for a hug from my kids or a supportive chat with my team. And at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade these balancing acts for anything else in the world.

Thanks for reading, and keep laughing through the chaos!