What Patagonia Can Teach Us About Parenting
When Yvon Chouinard wrote Let My People Go Surfing, he wasn’t just chronicling Patagonia’s rise—he was sharing a philosophy of living rooted in purpose, simplicity, and integrity. What began as an unconventional business model became a call to lead differently: to value people and planet over profit.
I first read the book in graduate school. Now as a parent, I revisited the book and was struck by how naturally Chouinard’s lessons extend beyond leadership and into parenting. Raising children, like leading a mission-driven company, asks us to be clear about our values, authentic in our actions, and courageous in how we nurture growth and freedom.
Purpose Over Profit
Chouinard built Patagonia around a mission—to use business to protect the planet. In parenting, our “mission” isn’t to produce perfect kids; it’s to raise whole humans who know who they are and why they matter. Lead with purpose, not performance.
Trust and Freedom
“Let my people go surfing” wasn’t a metaphor—it was policy. Employees were trusted to surf when the waves were good. Similarly, children thrive when trusted with freedom. Give them room to explore, fail, and learn. Freedom builds confidence and connection.
Respect for Nature
Chouinard believes nature is both teacher and mirror. Parenting through this lens means grounding family life in the natural world—gardening, walking, playing outside. In nature, children learn balance, resilience, and reverence for life.
Simplicity and Quality
Patagonia designs gear that lasts. “Simple, functional, durable” can be our family mantra too. Choose experiences over possessions. Focus on presence, not perfection. Quality connection endures long after the noise of activity fades.
Authentic Leadership
Chouinard leads with humility—admitting mistakes, staying curious, and aligning actions with values. Our kids need to see the same from us. When we apologize, reflect, and grow, we show them what true strength looks like.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Chouinard calls himself a “reluctant businessman” who learned by doing. Parenting is much the same. Each day invites experimentation and grace. When we approach our children with curiosity rather than certainty, growth becomes mutual.
Community and Responsibility
Patagonia measures success by its contribution to the greater good. Parenting with that lens means teaching children empathy and stewardship—helping them see that their actions ripple outward and that love is expressed through care for others and the earth.
Takeaways to Bring Into Your Parenting This Week
Lead with Purpose. Share your family’s “why.” Identify one core value you want to live out together this week.
Simplify and Slow Down. Make space for nature, play, and reflection. Let joy arise in the pauses.
Model Humility and Curiosity. When challenges come, name what you’re learning instead of striving for control.
Reflection
At week’s end, sit quietly and ask yourself:
“Am I parenting for outcomes—or for connection?”
Then write about one moment where you embodied freedom, curiosity, or compassion with your child. The lesson of Let My People Go Surfing—and of parenting—is the same: when we lead with presence and purpose, growth becomes a shared adventure.