Here’s what experts say about parent-𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 workplace boundaries.
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One major sports headline that made the rounds this past summer was about LeBron James’s son, Bronny James not only being drafted into the NBA, but to his dad’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The story sparked interest because this is one of the only, if not the first, times we’ll see a father-son team-up in the NBA.
While much of the talk has centered on nepotism and speculation about Bronny James’s NBA career, there’s a parent-𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 workplace dynamics conversation relevant to parents who have or will work professionally alongside their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren.
Getty Images/Jamie Squire
In a recent episode of The Shop: Uninterrupted on HBO, LeBron was asked if Bronny would call him “Dad” on the court, to which he answered, “No.”
According to LeBron, he and Bronny have already discussed this–saying when they’re at work, Bronny can call him Lebron. He even jokes that Bronny can call him the “G.O.A.T.”
Though this is a funny example of what may be an awkward boundary to set, experts say parents should set workplace boundaries in a family business or at any other place of employment where family members become colleagues.
Working With Your Child Has Psychological Implications
As a business owner who employs my 22-year-old daughter, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of taking off the “parent” hat and putting on the “colleague” hat. If you work with your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 professionally in any setting, there will be a psychological impact for both of you–and the way you set up the working relationship is of great importance.
“As a parent, the instinct is to protect and guide, but in a working relationship, it’s about creating an environment where the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 is seen as a capable contributor,” says Angela Kenzslowe, PsyD, MBA, Clinical Psychologist, and Purple Heart Behavioral Health L.L.C founder.
“Psychologically, it’s about stepping back from that nurturing role and seeing the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 through a professional lens, which can be tricky at first. It can take time for both parent and 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 to adjust.”
Dr. Kenzslowe has worked with her son for the past two and a half years. She’s experienced firsthand the complexities and rewards of navigating the parent-𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 work-life balance.
“The healthiest strategy is for the parent to model intentionally, switching gears between being in a parent role vs. being in a colleague role,” she adds.
She goes on to say there needs to be a conversation to set clear boundaries as to which role is being used and when.
“The 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 must have the opportunity to shift from seeing the parent as ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ to viewing [them] as a boss or peer, which changes the interpersonal dynamic. Some families may find it strengthens their relationship, creating a new level of respect for each other’s strengths and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s,” says Dr. Kenzslowe.
Setting Professional Boundaries Helps Clarify Things
LeBron isn’t the only parent nixing the “Mom” and “Dad” talk at work. Laura Phillips, the CEO and owner of project management startup ProperPlan has worked with her kids (20 and 22) for more than nine years combined after they chose to work in the family business over attending university.
“I am NOT a ‘mom’ at work; they call me Laura, and always have—I can’t think of anything more weird than being called mom amongst our team,” she says.
She explains how the first few years of adjusting to those boundaries were rough for her family, but over time, they “learned it’s safe to have conflict in our team without it spilling into family life.”
Dr. Kenzslowe shares a similar experience working with her son. “I see my son in a light that I never would otherwise,” she explains. “Seeing him thrive in his complex thinking, leadership, and professional maturity is an honor. But if we didn’t have clear boundaries, things could get messy. Roles can blur, and what happens at work might spill over into family life in ways that aren’t helpful.”
Setting boundaries makes it easier to navigate the different roles and reduces the frustration. It’s understood when it’s time for your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 to be your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 and when you expect the same professionalism as your other employees or colleagues.
Modeling Professionalism For Your Child is Key
Leading by example, especially in a family business or career, is one of the best ways to teach your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 what it means to be productive both now and in the future.
Carlos Garcia, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, and author of The Unseen Journey: Awakening Curiosity and Trust in the Corporate World explains the dual role of a parent who’s also a colleague or supervisor in the professional setting.
“As a parent, we are often responsible for nurturing and supporting our 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, while as a manager, we must make objective decisions that drive objectives and, ultimately, make the business successful.”
Dr. Garcia goes on to say encouraging family members to develop autonomy by giving them responsibility and allowing them to grow professionally within the business also promotes a healthy dynamic.
“This dual role can strain relationships without careful management, leading to misunderstandings or feelings of ill will. However, when handled with transparency and balance, it can foster a supportive environment that strengthens the family and the business.”
It should be interesting to watch LeBron and Bronny James play together in the NBA and see how they continue to navigate the new workplace dynamic.
