At first glance, the idea that the shipping industry can provide parenting lessons seems strange or far-fetched. But as those who work with transportation consultants can attest, many of the principles necessary for quality outcomes in that industry can also prove just as applicable for parents. Here are three lessons all can benefit from.

Adapt Methods When Needed

In the transportation industry, no two jobs are exactly alike. After all, there’s quite a difference between a small local delivery that can be completed with a truck, as opposed to a large international shipment that may need to use air or ocean transport in addition to ground vehicles. For successful shipments, transportation consultants need to analyze a variety of factors to determine which options will work best in providing a timely, cost-efficient delivery.

There is no one size fits all solution — and the same is true of parenting. Each child has a unique temperament. They have different interests; different likes and dislikes. Parents need to carefully consider these elements of their child’s personality so they can cater discipline and other interactions in a manner that will be most beneficial to that individual child. Different tactics will likely be required for different children.

Plan For the Future

Transportation companies must continuously look for the future. Changing technologies, fluctuations in gas prices, and other factors can have a significant impact on their services and their bottom line.

Similarly, parents should be ever watchful for events and trends that could impact their child’s future. Looking ahead and making appropriate plans will go a long way to ensuring that your family is prepared to deal with tomorrow’s challenges.

Consistency is Key

No matter what challenges you face in parenting, consistency is crucial for achieving desirable outcomes. In the shipping industry, it doesn’t matter whether you’re sending a product by land or by sea — it has to arrive when you say it will, otherwise you’ll lose customers and credibility.

For parents, consistency comes when your actions match your words. You can’t tell your child one thing and then do another. Consistency also comes when you remain true to family rules and expectations. Children pay attention to their parents’ behavior — if you bend the rules or fall short of your promises, you could also lose their respect.

Conclusion

Shipping and parenting may not appear very similar at first glance, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lessons to be learned from this essential industry. As parents adopt these helpful ideas, they can create a more consistent and stable environment for raising their children.