Today we’d like to take a moment to applaud the parents who despite many challenges, did they best they could and did right by their kids. We asked folks to share stories of what they feel their parents got right and have shared highlights below.

Terra Pickett

My parents are not only my parents… They are my biggest supporters, encouragers, and friends. It’s easy to be loved when you’re easy to love, but they never gave up on me even when I wasn’t. I followed in my dad’s footsteps when I began a 15 year career in luxury fashion. He was a role model to me, and a living example of what a successful career in the industry could look like. After 20+ years working for others, he ventured off and started his own business. Read more>>

Shaneque Irby

I believe the thing that my parents did right was first bring me into this world. If they didn’t bring me into this world I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. I wouldn’t be that strong, independent female that has very strong goals, a bright mindset and want to make my parents happy and succeed in today’s world, my parents always told me to fight. Read more>>

Carlos Galeana

I grew up in Los Angeles as the proud son of Mexican immigrants. My parents instilled essential values that I try to live by daily. My father taught me the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Without a formal education, he could solve complex problems in the workplace using his skillset and earned experience. On the other hand, my mother demonstrated kindness and empathy towards people in need. Read more>>

Dimerosé Williams

Well I can start with my mom first she taught me how to beat the system.How to play the game of life and how to win. Life wasn’t easy for her, but she taught me her wrong so I can correct it. My dad taught me street life and what to look out for what I can’t learn in school. With this knowledge it taught me what to look out for in life..So that push me to finish college and start two business. (Love & Memory of Willie Wells ) Read more>>

Erica Thowe

Reflecting on my upbringing, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the positive influences that have shaped who I am today, particularly in the guidance of my parents. At the core of their parenting approach was a lasting love that formed a stable foundation during my formative years. Their consistent affection and support created a nurturing environment, allowing me to feel not just secure but genuinely valued. This love became the bedrock for my personal growth. Read more>>

June Edmonds

I think that my mom would have been an artist if she were born later. She loved art but her career choices were limited as an African American woman born in 1929. She enrolled us in art classes and took us to museums when she could. I remember being taken to the Huntington Museum, a place I am sure she loved, with all the art and the beautiful rose and other gardens. Read more>>

Joquetta Batista

Growing up in Miami during the 70s, my parents, both originally from Alabama and hailing from Barbour County, were hardworking individuals with a background in farming. My dad, born in the late 40s, dedicated himself to farming, while my mom, born in the early 50s, worked alongside him in the fields. Read more>>

Joey Strain

I have a lot to thank my parents for when it comes to my creative journey. Some of my very favorite earliest photos of me show me making giant messes on paper with paint and drawing materials. I think my parents either always knew I had a creative spark, or always wanted me to have one. They definitely set the ground work for art being more and more of my obsession then older I got. Read more>>

Quibilah Alexander

I grew up in a home with my mother, grandparents, aunt, and a younger cousin. My mother worked a lot when I was growing up and so did my grandparents and my aunt. So, my family was not present to see me perform at school or help me with my homework and yet, I managed to be an honor roll student. Read more>>

Simone Washington

Of course it takes being 42 and experiencing lessons in life that make me now appreciate it. But I can honestly say, as a single mother-Susan definitely got it right. She instilled just enough fear that garnered all the respect needed but not so much that my sister and I were fearful of her. She provided a healthy balance. She taught us to work hard and never half step. Read more>>

Natalie Knox

Ooo what an evocative question from the jump! My parents have always been supportive of me, always. I was one of those kids that tried everything, but didn’t always stick with everything, but my parents were always encouraging. They let me take the lead, but were always there to guide me with a gentle and loving hand. Read more>>

Erin McKinney

As a therapist that focuses on attachment, I love this question! Like many of us, there were things my parents did that taught me what I didn’t want to do, as well as what I did want to do. My parents really shaped my connection to something bigger than myself through nature and helping others. Read more>>

Eric Wright

There’s been so much that my parents did to support me in my career. They’ve always encouraged me to follow my interests, but beyond that, they genuinely express interest in what I do, and the career I’ve tried to build. They ask questions, they get excited about the projects I’m excited about, they share in my frustrations, and they try to come see as much of my work in person as they can. Read more>>

Sequoia Youngblood

I’d say my parents definitely got it right with me by instilling a CAN-DO attitude, the willingness to be a community servant and a resilient mindset. I’m the BOUNCE BACK QUEEN. No matter what life throws, I’m a creature of learning from it, working through it and trucking along. Read more>>

Hollyn Tunson

My parents taught me the importance of being polished. Growing up I caught on quickly that my parents were able to show up their best because they looked their best. I’ve carried this value into my everyday life now. Even if you are going through trying times, never let them become you. Show up for yourself! Read more>>

Rebecca Atwood

I grew up in a restaurant, and by that I quite literally mean that my parents’ restaurant was in the same building as the home I grew up in. As a child it felt so normal, but as an adult I can now see what a unique experience that was. I saw how hard my parents worked and the dedication, care, and passion they put into it. Read more>>

Malissa Young

My mother used to say you can do anything you want… my grandmother liked to say “the world is your oyster” (who cares that I don’t like oysters, it was about the pearl… I think some level of healthy confidence was planted from these repeated phrases. Read more>>

John Hollingsworth

My parents did a lot of things right when I was growing up. The first things that come to my mind when it comes to my career are the following: the importance of hard work, being coachable, and being a good person. They instilled in me that there is no substitute for hard work and you just have to get it done. Read more>>

John Mullican

My parents, Lee Mullican and Luchita Hurtado, were both artists. They understood the importance of finding and sharing the creative spirit that lives within us all. Growing up with them was about experiencing life in all of its beautiful palettes and colors, the most important one being love. Read more>>

Kelsey Ziegemeier

I honestly hit the jackpot when it came to my childhood and parents. My parents, Danny & Patty, are the two parents I wish everyone would have growing up. They taught me to be independent, strong willed, and a little bit stubborn. They have been two people that have always been there, through my failures and successes. Read more>>

Susie Quiroz

My parents were always great about encouraging my creativity. I can remember my mom telling my siblings and I, “you are very creative!” Hearing words of affirmation like that during such foundational years goes a long way. When I became interested in music, my parents bought me my first acoustic guitar, and then later gifted me my first electric and a little Peavy am. Read more>>

Yibo Xu

I’ve gradually come to realize the profound impact early life moments can have on one’s journey, particularly those spent with parents during childhood. It’s the simple sentences from your dad, the caring details from your mom, or those random things they did with you that become engraved in your memory. Read more>>

MARIA BERNARD

I think un-intentinally due to our circumstances as illegal immigrants, they worked so hard to give all seven of us (siblings and I) a roof over our head, clothes and food. They provided the essitials and worked so hard to survive. When things git hard, they didn’t give up. Read more>>

Jayda Murray

As the eldest of four kids, I’m known as “the experiment child.” As such, I was the test run for my mom starting homeschooling, for raising a daughter interested in making games, and the first for graduating college debt-free. My parents have always supported me and my siblings’ journey in the arts and technology. Read more>>

Lisa Lunghofer

I was fortunate to grow up with two extremely loving parents who believed I could achieve anything I set my mind to and encouraged me to pursue my passions. When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me a small “magic coach” with a card attached that read, “This coach is bequeathed to you. It is a further inspiration to take you wherever you want to go. Read more>>

Chaconna Downs

My parents did so many things right! They taught me to love and reverence God. They modeled amazing work ethic and ambition. They taught me was friendship and co-parenting should look like. My parents believed in me and told me I could do and be whatever I put my mind to. They invested in me and made countless sacrifices so I had opportunities to follow my dreams. Read more>>

Leonardo Lacommare

In the past 20 years of working with my parents in the restaurant business, one fundamental lesson has stood out: treating our customers like family. This principle, along with a deep respect for our culinary roots and a keen sense of business, has been pivotal in our success. Read more>>

Ashley Ulmer

My parents always instilled in myself and my older brother that we can do anything we set our minds to. Both my mom and dad were very creative and always included us in doing so. My mom was a hair dresser and eventually became an Interior Designer, she also volunteered at our elementary school teaching art classes. Read more>>

Darian Brewer

Back when the iPhone 4s just came out I noticed everyone in school had one of them except for me. I still had an old school phone that ran on minute plans and had to watch how many text messages I would send friends. Eventually I ran out of minutes and couldn’t stay in contact with friends outside of school which drove me crazy, eventually I came to be obsessed with the idea of having an iPhone myself. Read more>>

Jessie Rose

I am very lucky in the parent-department. One of the things I appreciate most about my parents is the way they offer unwavering support without telling me what I “should” do. Both of my parents are retired teachers and while they are extremely knowledgeable both within their respective fields and elsewhere, they do not know much about starting or running a business. Read more>>

Falencia Jean-Francois

I have a very complicated relationship with my biological mother. She died when I was thirteen years old and, when she was alive, she made almost every moment of my life a living hell. But, like a lot of children and their abusive parents, I loved her. I was obsessed. My greatest wish was to become her. Yes, she scared the bejeezus out of me, but she was also beautiful and strong and so talented! Read more>>

Karolyn Drone Smith

I was born to two loving parents in Akron, Ohio . My dad worked at the local Rubber factory Goodyear, and my mom stayed at home to raise me and my siblings. It was my Dad’s strong work ethic combined with my Moms nurturing spirit that made me the woman I am today. Read more>>

Brent Sears

My grandfather instilled in me a work ethic at a very young age.We worked together from dusk to dawn. He lived through the Great Depression, he saved everything and reused anything. It was not uncommon for him to straighten a bent nail and drive it again. He has a driven man and taught me how to work efficiently and smart. Read more>>

Chinelo Arinze

My parents conceived the notion of conceiving me and my brother before we were conceived; that’s one thing that set the course and has impacted my life in a positive way. Throughout my childhood, my mother told me stories about how she and my father planned and greatly anticipated me and my brother. Read more>>

Abby Bloch

My parents are both creative people. My mom is a writer and graphic designer and while my dad works a “normal job”, he does woodworking in his free time. Seeing people pursue their creative endeavors on a daily basis both as a job and as a hobby definitely influenced how realistic I thought it was to have a creative career. Read more>>