Leveraging Your Strengths as a Parent

By Steve Gahagen

I love leading workshops for parents—not because we offer parenting hacks or quick fixes, but because we create space for reflection. These workshops invite parents to consider their child’s unique strengths and ask: How can I create an environment where my child can truly flourish?

But there’s another layer that’s just as important: helping parents understand their own strengths.

Often, we associate our strengths with the workplace—tools for leading teams, solving problems, and reaching goals. But our strengths don’t clock out when we head home. And we can’t afford to leave our best talents at the door. Our families need them.

At work, we use our strengths to build high-performing teams. At home, we can use them to build strong, connected, resilient families.

Your strengths are your superpowers. Maybe you’re a great listener. Maybe you bring calm in chaos. Maybe you’re playful, consistent, or naturally curious. When you lead with those strengths, parenting feels more natural—and more joyful.

Kids sense it. When you parent from a place of strength, you bring more energy, more presence, more you. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being authentic. Showing up as you are and leaning into what you do well not only supports your kids—it teaches them to embrace who they are, too.

And it helps you, too. Trying to fix everything you lack is draining. Leading with what you already have is energizing.

So ask yourself:

• What do I already do well as a parent—and how can I do more of that, on purpose?

• What strengths does my child bring—and how can I build an environment where those strengths thrive?

• What value does my child bring to groups they are a part of because of their strengths. 

Parenting through strengths isn’t just effective. It’s life-giving—for you, and for your family.