Fun Lessons from the Playground: Insights into Coaching and Parenthood from Watching Kids Playing

Being a mom to a 1-and-a-half-year-old, I’ve developed a love for playgrounds. 

Yesterday, the weather was lovely in Munich (a rare occurrence in Germany), so we decided to visit one of the playgrounds. Watching my toddler running and playing, I found myself thinking, “Hmm, there’s something here that reminds me of work.(I know, I should not be focused on my job on Saturdays :-)? Yet, yesterday, I found myself in this exact scenario. Surrounded by swings and slides, I realized—there are some surprising similarities between parenting, coaching, and navigating this world of play.

The Playground: Where Little Adventures Happen

Think of a playground as a mini-adventure park for kids. They climb, slide, and laugh, while parents try to keep up. It’s a bit like a bustling little town! And as I watched my little one explore, it got me thinking about my role as a coach.

Conflict: From Sharing Toys to Solving Problems

Kids argue on the playground just like adults argue at work. Whether it’s fighting over a favorite toy or deciding the best way to slide down, kids know how to stand up for what they want. Sound familiar? Well, in coaching, solving arguments is just as important. Just like I’ve helped my team at work sort out the issues, I’ve also had to step in when little ones couldn’t agree on who gets to rule the sandbox.

Parenting: Knowing When to Step In

Parenting is all about knowing when to help and when to let kids figure things out on their own (and trust me, it’s very difficult). It’s a bit like coaching—sometimes you have to step in and guide, and other times, you need to hang back and let things unfold. I’ve learned the hard way that jumping in too much doesn’t help anyone, whether it’s on the playground or in a team meeting.

Talking: Understanding Toddler Language

Toddlers are experts at going from happy to upset in seconds! Understanding what they’re trying to say can feel like solving a puzzle (it’s… bla auto ba da da ta ta ta). But just as I’ve learned to listen carefully to team members at work, I’ve gotten pretty good at understanding my son’s babbling.

Finding Fun in the Mess

At the end of the day, whether we’re dealing with a playful toddler or leading a team through a big project, one thing is for sure—people can be pretty unpredictable! Even though parenting and coaching might seem really different, if you look closer, you’ll see they’re kinda similar. They’re both about understanding each other, being flexible, and having a good laugh now and then. So, next time you’re in the middle of a messy playtime or a busy meeting, remember this: roll with the craziness, enjoy the funny moments, and don’t forget to take a snack break when you need one!