Feeling Off as a Parent? This 8-Part Alignment Tool Will Help You Get Back on Track
Ep. 91 on the All Figured Out Podcast
If you’re a parent juggling work, kids, relationships, and your own well-being, there’s a good chance you’ve had this thought lately:
“I’m doing everything I’m supposed to…but something still feels off.”
You’re not alone. As a certified career and life coach who works with parents around the world, I see this all the time.
You’re showing up for your career, your family, your community—but underneath it all, something isn’t clicking. You feel…misaligned.
That’s exactly why I created the Figure 8 Alignment Tool.
Why Parents Feel Misaligned (Even When Life Looks “Good”)
Misalignment doesn’t always show up as a crisis.
For most parents I coach, it looks like:
Constant exhaustion (even when you’re technically resting)
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your family
Second-guessing every life or career decision
Living in “response mode,” putting out fires all day
That nagging sense of “this isn’t how I thought it would feel”
You’re not broken. You’re not failing.
You’re just…misaligned.
Introducing: The Figure 8 Alignment Tool
This is a simple, reflective check-in tool I developed after coaching hundreds of parents across different life stages and locations—whether they’re navigating a career change, returning to work after parental leave, or just trying to stay afloat.
Picture an infinity symbol (the figure 8).
One loop is your personal life.
The other is your professional life.
The goal? Not balance. Not perfection. But alignment—where your time, energy, and attention are moving in a direction that feels true to you.
The 8-Part Parent Check-In: Your Alignment Audit
Here’s what you’ll assess:
Energy in My Body
Am I rested, nourished, and physically well?
Clarity in My Mind & Spirit
Am I grounded, focused, and emotionally clear?
Ownership of My Time
Do I feel in control of how I spend my days—or am I stuck in survival mode?
Moments of Joy & Expression
Am I laughing, playing, creating, or expressing myself regularly?
Connection with My Kids
Are we attuned, present, and actually enjoying one another?
Closeness in My Relationships at Home
Do I feel seen, supported, and connected with my partner or household?
Quality of Relationships Outside My Home
Am I maintaining meaningful friendships and feeling part of a community?
Fulfillment in My Work
Am I challenged, valued, and aligned with my career path?
Why This Works (For Parents Everywhere)
Whether you’re in Vancouver, New York, London, or working remotely from anywhere else—this tool helps you pause and recalibrate.
It’s not a productivity hack.
It’s not about doing more.
It’s about noticing where your life feels off—and giving yourself permission to realign.
Want More Support? Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
For a full breakdown of each area (with examples from my own life and coaching clients), listen to Episode 90 of the All Figured Out Podcast:
About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out
Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.
Connect with Andrea via Instagram here.
