Wearing Two Hats

⏳ Author’s Note (2026)

I found this piece tucked away in my files, written in 2015—just a few months after my life completely shifted. Reading it today reminds me of how heavy those early days of solo parenting and business management were, and how much grace it took for my children and me to find our footing together.

A few months after my husband’s passing, I asked two of my adult children—a daughter and a son—to help manage the projects of our small construction business.

When my husband died, I took over the business he had built. Deep in my heart, I hoped and prayed that our children would one day love and continue what their father had started. It was more than our source of income. It was part of his legacy, and it had provided for our family through the years. 

They agreed. What surprised me was that their enthusiasm soon surpassed my own.

When Perspectives Clash

In the beginning, my daughter and I disagreed on many things. We had our share of “quarrels”. I was more conservative and cautious. She was bold, energetic, and eager to try new ideas. Our perspectives often clashed. 

As their mother, I had always listened to their explanations. We talked things through, exchanged ideas, and learned from one another.

But in the business, I had to learn something new. There were times when my authority as a mother had to take a step back so I could see them as capable adults. Decisions had to be viewed from a different perspective and that wasn’t always easy for me.

Stepping Back to Let Them Grow

I realized that recognizing their strengths was far more valuable than expecting them to do things exactly the way I would. Measuring them by my own standards could discourage them instead of helping them to grow.

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t only solo parenting my grown-up children. I was also learning to work alongside them.

I wore two hats—that of a mother and that of the head of our family business. Balancing those roles was never easy. But it gave me children who were willing to carry the responsibility right alonside me.

For that, I remain grateful.

Have you ever had to work professionally alongside your own family members? How do you balance your role as a parent or child with being a business partner?