Being a parent is the most important, demanding, and fulfilling role you will ever have in your life, but for most of us, it is a new role for which you have had no training. The family team is the primary classroom for life, and for it to be a true learning team, the parents have to also be learning from each other and from their children. This book reminds us that the family is the place where we learn our emotional, relational and collaborative skills, that are so essential for a happy, successful and fulfi lled life. The author reveals how to show mutual caring, how to handle conflict, how to love, celebrate, and grieve together within the most important team of our lives, and she does it with humility and respect.

“Steliana van de Rijt-Economu has written a beautiful book that should be on everyone’s bookshelf, computer, or tablet—for we are all part of families. She presents many practical ways for a family to be more than the sum of its parts. Central to this is the shift from each family member asking, ‘What do I want or need from my family?’ to asking, ‘What does the family

need from each of us?’”

— Emeritus Professor Peter Hawkins at Henley Business School University of Reading UK

“I read this book with the eyes of a leadership coach, the mind of a leader, and the heart of a mother whose rhythm beats endlessly for her family. It made me sigh, cry, and laugh all at once.”

— Manbir Kaur, Board Chair – Professional Coaches, International Coaching Federation

As a father, husband, and educator, I believe Parentship in Families as Teams is essential reading for anyone committed to strengthening the foundations of our society through education. This book highlights the critical role that families play in nurturing the emotional skills needed by our future generations.

— Stefan Palarie, State Senator at Romanian Parliament

“Deeply-rooted personal stories of love, trust, and respect—from parent-leaders across the world—serve as an invitation for reflection and action. This book challenges you to reconsider your communication style and inspires you to build lasting connections with those who matter most.”

— Jennifer Hughes, Sr. Director of Communications & Government Affairs, Cyclyx International

“This book is a powerful reminder that the strongest teams feel like families—not because everything is easy, but because they are built on trust, shared purpose, and the courage to have the tough conversations. A must-read for any leader looking to build a lasting culture.”

— Emily Hilton, Head of Strategic Programs/Global Technology, BHP