Many people would assume that being at home with a baby for months, isn't really be the best way to improve your careers prospects. However, I think my daughter has put me through a training schedule, which is more thorough and exhaustive than any 'Apprentice' style corporate process.
Here's why;
Organisation - We all know what a nightmare it is to try and get out of the house with a little one in tow. Even a quick outing, necessitates a huge amount of luggage. When you are finally ready and heading for the door, there will be a code brown (usually requiring a complete change of clothes for both of you)! Parenting experience ensures you can still get out of the house before nightfall........
Communication - Although I have not studied languages, I am fully conversant in 'Toddler'. There is an incentive to learn this 'language' though, as usually if you don't get it right you get hit in the head with a Tombiliboo! (see why I've learned quickly?!)
Team Work - This skill is really demonstrated when your baby decides that it will never sleep again and tries to see how far it can push you and your partner before you both crack. This is when the Mummy/Daddy tag team comes in really useful! Prevents parental burn out and abuse of Gin.
Negotiation & Persuasion - Has Alan Sugar ever had to wrestle a 2 foot rigid (mostly screaming) child into car seat? No, I don't think he has. Whereas, for me (and LOTS of other parents) it is almost a daily occurrence. I have already resorted to blackmail negotiation involving Doc McStuffins and fruit Yoyo's!
Problem Solving - In our house my problem solving muscle is exercised by trying to figure out how to get my daughter to eat anything other than peas and cocktails sausages (and aforementioned fruit Yoyo's...). Well, at least it is two of her five a day.
Leadership - You must always show that you are the boss. Children can smell weakness (FACT) and if they do, They. Will. Break. You.
Perseverance & Motivation - If you have a fussy eater, like we do, then you will have this one down. Extreme amounts of perseverance is required to get them to eat a meal and not just live on beige things... The motivation for this effort? Well you actually WANT to sleep tonight.
Ability to work under pressure - This demonstrated in many ways, quite often in your ability to keep the car on the road, when your child is screaming blue murder in the back. This is quite similar to an advanced driving simulation.
Hardworking - In my life before being a parent I worked hard, by nature I am a bit of a workaholic. However, it was merely the tip of the iceberg. Having a baby as your Boss, means that 5 hours sleep is a good night and you are constantly trying to invent ways to stay awake, while ensuring you remain a responsible parent (how did THAT happen?!). You have no lunch break or coffee break. Most of the time you don't even get a loo break (on your own anyway!). I think anyone who can cope with this relentlessness is an awesome prospect for any business opportunity.
Ability to Prioritise - Have you ever had to deal with a poonaumi and projectile vomit At. The. Same. Time? That, my friend demonstrates your ability to prioritise.
Do you think having children has improved your skills? Are you now Boardroom ready?