So many of us parent the way our parents did – because it’s the only example we’ve had a chance to see up close. We think one of the ways to remedy this is to create a space where people can share stories of the things they feel their parents did right, so we can all learn from those examples.

Luis Ángel Mondragón

I believe my parents did a phenomenal job at showing my sisters and I the importance of taking on life with honesty, determination, empathy, and an open heart. They instilled in each of us the importance of determination and the countless doors it can open when one works hard. Growing up, the time I spent with my parents was mutually cherished because they both worked incessantly to make ends meet. Seeing them work as hard as they’ve worked their entire life was a constant reminder of the sacrifices they made for us, to have a shot at an education. Read more>>

Hunnie

At the young age of 15, I started to perform in different cover bands up and down California. My parents have been my biggest supporters since day one. My mother, Kimberly, was actually the person who got my foot in the door for performing. My parents have been there for me every single step of the way. They have always kept me humble and grounded; they also protected me as a woman in the male dominated music scene. At 19, I started my own cover band as the lead singer and my parents had my back every step of the way. My father, Enrique, learned how to run sound for the band and studied it every single day after work while my mother learned how to be a manager of a band. I am forever grateful for their never ending support. Read more>>

Rina Maejima

The right things my parents did: 1. Make the privileged circumstance My dad- so bad at sports but has excellent sense of music and arts. (passed away this February) My mom – so good at sports and loves music but doesn.t know about arts as much as my dad. When they realized that I have a big voice and love to sing, they both wanted me to become a performer. My dad showed me as much as live performances; musical, opera, ballet, Kabuki and Noh. Even at home, there were Gene Kerry and Fred Astair along with Disney princesses on my TV. They let me learn many things; playing a piano and cello, tap dance, jazz, ballet, etc… Read more>>

Zaina The Phenom

My parents support my dreams, keep me humble, love me unconditionally and always encourage me to pursue my goals, dreams and aspirations. My dad in particular took me serious when I told him I wanted to be a rapper. He sat me down and wrote my first song (watch ya mouth) a parenting anthem that went viral with over half a million views. Read more>>

Erynn Grady

My parents really instilled a sense of dedication and commitment, a work ethic that has shaped my own approach to not only work but to my life overall. The ethic can be distilled into one phrase that I heard many times as a kid: caring for those at the mercy of others, care in general, is a privilege. My dad was a paramedic for around 30 years. He educated countless emergency responders, rescued people, recovered burned bodies, and helped implement programs in several areas. Read more>>

Garrick Higuchi

My parents taught me the value of hard work and to appreciate what is given to me. Throughout my career I have been blessed, I have worked hard and I have never expected anything. I have always been rewarded for my contributions by my superiors. I received financial and other compensation for my hard work. Read more>>

Jerry Fu

My parents helped me appreciate the value of hard work and also being a good guest. In particular, my mom taught me two main tasks to always do whenever someone was kind enough to host me: 1. Bring a housewarming gift, and 2. Leave the bedroom and bathroom they provide as if you never used it. My parents knew how important it is to maintain strong relationships, and hospitality both from a host and guest perspective, was a big part in helping create an environment of warmth. Read more>>

Kat Daou

When I first got into Family Constellation Therapy, it was by total accident. At one of the lowest points in my life, I had asked a cousin of mine if she knew a life coach and I was told, “No, but I know this woman…” I didn’t Google what this work was, I didn’t seek out any information about it. I just showed up to my first session and the rest is history. And throughout the last 3 years of being in this work as a student and facilitator, I’ve grown to shift my perspective on my parents. If you would have asked me 4 years ago this same question, I would probably struggled with it. Read more>>

Diane Caplan

My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic from an early age. Though I was indeed spoiled as an only child, I was never entitled. Both of my parents worked hard and taught me the value of perseverance and completing what I started. They always emphasized that with determination and focus, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Read more>>

Destiny Branay

I am incredibly grateful to have been raised by parents who recognized my gifts at a young age and did their best to ensure I had all the tools necessary for success. Even when I didn’t see greatness in myself, they spoke it into me; enrolling me in summer arts programs and encouraging me keep going. They always gave me the space to grow and find myself. When I convinced myself that pursuing art was a waste of time, they fell back and allowed me to walk my own path until I eventually recognized what they saw the whole time. I know many artists and creatives who didn’t have that essential foundation of parental support, and witnessed the road blocks it created for them on their journey. I never take this privilege for granted and know for sure that I wouldn’t be where I am now without it. Read more>>

Briana Moten

My mom was a single mother living in a new state with a 9 year old when we came to Florida. My dad was a professional football player who got hurt and had to start a completely different path. They both showed me tenacity and drive and what it means to push yourself because they both had no choice but to succeed. The stakes are much lower for me because I don’t have kids (haha) but I’ve always carried their fighting spirits with me in whatever I choose to take on. They also taught me how to pivot and roll with the punches. How to stay focused and do my work with humility. My parents are also big people persons- I definitely get a lot of my charisma from my dad Read more>>

Matt Kelley

I’m incredibly close with my parents and my two older brothers, and I truly believe that I could not have ended up with a better family. There are countless things that I feel my parents have done “right” in raising the three of us, but I am most thankful for their unconditional support of my decision to be an artist and their willingness to let me spread my wings and blossom into my own unique individual. I’m the only musician in my immediate family, and the small Georgia town that I grew up in didn’t have much of an artistic scene when I was growing up, so I think my parents were often perplexed by my lack of interest in activities that other boys my age typically gravitated towards. Read more>>

Daphna Shalom

My parents are immigrants to the US. They are Iranian-born Israelis who moved from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles just a few years before I was born. Being the child of immigrants and non native English speakers, I was raised to be more independent than most American children (including my own) are being raised today. And with independence, I believe, comes resilience and drive.  Read more>>

Carley Horan

My parents are each their own person with their own careers, hobbies, workout routines and friends. Each took time to find all those things on their own before coming together. I think this makes them very secure people and contributes to their secure relationship. If they ever had a problem my brother sister and I never knew about it. They kept their issues between them. They were not afraid to show their love and affection toward each other in front of us which fostered a very loving and supportive home to grow up in. They both came from modest means and made financial stability a priority so my siblings and I try anything sport, instrument, play, art, activity we wanted. Read more>>

Cuong Tran

Me and my partners are Vietnamese immigrants. We are thankful for our parents who sacrificed and did everything they can in order to bring us here, for our future. We may not have generation wealth to start but we are lucky enough to have the chance to create one. We also had a chance for an education, a chance to learn about other culture. I think its some what an advantage to have different options and perspective when it comes to community connection with other immigrants, making business decisions, The goods and the bad we learn from both culture, we learn from it. Read more>>

Hannah Carroll

My parents have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. My dad emphasized the importance of manners and respect, teaching me to always treat people kindly because you never know what they might be going through. This lesson has deeply impacted how I interact with others, both personally and professionally. My mom, on the other hand, instilled in me the value of staying focused and not getting sidetracked. I remember how she persevered through hardships to complete law school, earning her degree despite the challenges she faced. Read more>>

Hailey Grabowski

Growing up, my parents always told me I could do anything I put my mind to. They often used the phrase “mind over matter”. As a child, this was something I kept in mind especially during sports. As years went on, this phrase continued to stick with me and became more relevant during the battles life threw my way. When I began my content creation/influencer career, I struggled with numerous things. Growing on social media has not been easy and often leaves you questioning if it is worth it. There are also always going to be negative people whose commentary can leave you wanting to give up. Read more>>

Lauren Corugedo

One thing that my dad, former CEO, COO and President of Chef Merito, taught me is that relationships are so important. He taught me the importance of a give and take mindset — for example, maybe you meet a business partner in the middle of something that could net positive returns down the line. Ultimately, you need to do what’s best for your business. But, partnerships and building relationships are tools to leverage that can influence success in the long run. Our ability to create healthy and strong relationships has led to successful partnerships with Foodbeast, the Los Angeles Dodgers, various influences, and more external vendors in our supply chain. In doing so, we’ve been able to expand our network and reach people we might not have come across previously.  Read more>>

Indigo Will

Born in Yonkers, New York, I was raised by my mother, Jamillah Shabazz. At age 10, she allowed me to get my first dog, a young boxer pup I named Julie. My mom was fair and firm, handling all financial responsibilities for the dog while I was tasked with the canine care and training. Despite my initial lack of knowledge and commitment, my mom ultimately gave Julie away when I failed to properly train and care for her, teaching me a powerful lesson in responsibility and accountability. This experience ignited a determination in me to learn about dog training, care, and communication. By age 13 I asked my mom for another chance with a new dog, and to my surprise, she agreed. This pivotal moment connected me to my passion, eventually shaping my career in professional dog training. Read more>>