The Top 3 Mistakes Ambitious Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Thinking back to my own journey—and the many parents I’ve worked with over the years—there are a few common mistakes that come up time and time again.

If you’re anything like I was, you’re a bit of a perfectionist. You might not be satisfied with just being a “good enough” parent—you want to be the best parent you can be. You’re reading, researching, and constantly trying to do better than the day before.

You might also be juggling a lot of other responsibilities—like building a business, leading a team, or managing projects that demand your full attention. The pressure to get it right at home and at work can be overwhelming.

So if that sounds like you, just know—you’re not alone. I get it.

Here are the top three mistakes I see ambitious parents making (and what to do instead).

Mistake #1: Ignoring Your Own Needs Completely

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see—the parent who is so focused on their business and their kids that they ignore their own needs entirely. It’s easy to do, especially when your days are packed with meetings, deadlines, and a to-do list that never ends.

But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you keep pushing your own needs to the bottom of your priority list, it’s only a matter of time before burnout sets in—at home and at work.

This doesn’t mean you need hours of downtime every day (though that would be nice). Even small moments—like a quiet coffee break, a walk between meetings, or five minutes of breathing exercises—can help you reset.

Making space for your own needs isn’t selfish; it’s essential. The more you take care of yourself, the better you’ll show up for both your family and your business.

Mistake #2: Playing the Comparison Game

The second big mistake I see is comparing your children—or your parenting—to everyone else’s.

You know how it goes. You hear about another parent’s baby who sleeps through the night, and suddenly you’re wondering why your baby still wakes every two hours. Or you scroll through LinkedIn and see founders who seem to be scaling their businesses effortlessly, all while coaching their kid’s football team and making homemade dinners.

Comparison is a slippery slope. It can make you feel like you’re failing even when you’re doing just fine.

Here’s a better approach: focus on gathering good information instead of comparing. When you have reliable, evidence-based information about what’s normal for your child’s age and stage, it’s a lot easier to see that there’s nothing wrong with your baby (or your parenting).

Your child is unique, and so are you. No amount of comparing is going to change that—so why not focus on what works for your family instead?

Mistake #3: Trying to Do It All Alone

The third mistake—and maybe the most exhausting—is trying to do it all alone.

Founders are used to wearing many hats. But while that might work in the early stages of your business, it’s a recipe for burnout when it comes to parenting.

You know that saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”? It’s true. But what often gets forgotten is that in the early years, it’s not just the child who needs a village—it’s the parent too.

The kind of support I’m talking about isn’t just about hiring a cleaner or outsourcing tasks—though those things can help. It’s about having people who really understand what you’re going through—people you can text when you’re having a hard day or talk to without worrying about being judged.

Your village doesn’t have to be the people who live next door. It could be an online community, a business mentor who gets the founder-parent juggle, or a friend who shares your values. The important thing is having people who remind you that you’re not alone in this.

Connection-Centred Parenting: The One Thing Every Family Needs

If I had to sum up everything I’ve learned about parenting and building a business, it would come down to one word: connection. But it’s not just about connecting with your child—there are three parts to connection-centred parenting that make the whole thing work.

1. Connecting with Your Child

This one might sound obvious, but it’s about more than just spending time together. It’s about forming secure attachments by really understanding your child’s needs and responding to them in a way that helps them feel safe and seen.

To do this well, you need good information about child development, so you can understand what’s actually going on when your child is struggling.

2. Connecting with Yourself

This part is often overlooked. When you’re juggling a growing business and young kids, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are outside of those roles.

But connecting with yourself—whether that’s through a hobby you love, a few minutes of quiet in the morning, or just reminding yourself that you matter—isn’t selfish. It’s essential. When you feel connected to yourself, it’s so much easier to stay calm and present for your kids and your business.

3. Connecting with Your Village

We weren’t meant to do this alone. Finding a supportive community of like-minded parents can make all the difference.

Your village doesn’t have to be people who live nearby. It can be an online community, a peer group of other founders who get the juggle, or even just one or two friends who really get you. The important thing is having people who share your values and can remind you that you’re not alone in this.

When you have these three types of connections—connection with your child, yourself, and your village—you’re far more likely to feel capable, supported, and confident in both your parenting and your business.

Progress, Not Perfection

If you’ve recognised yourself in any of these mistakes, just know that you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. Parenting is a journey, not a test you have to pass.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. So take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember that the only “perfect” parent is the one on Instagram (and even that’s probably not the whole truth).

You’re doing better than you think.

Anne Cullen is a Family Strategist who helps mission-driven founders build thriving families without sacrificing their own wellbeing. With a focus on conscious parenting, responsive care, and breaking generational patterns, Anne blends practical strategies with values-driven insights to support parents from the very start of their journey. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her walking in nature, listening to business and wellness podcasts, or spending time with her husband and two sons.

Ready to build a family culture that feels as good as it looks? Book a call to get started.