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.

Cherika Shields

My parents emphasized the importance of prayer, they taught me how to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and rely on His strength in all situations. They instilled values such as love, kindness, forgiveness, humility, and integrity, aligning with the teachings of Christ. This made me who I am today.. Read more>>

Alissa Ellis

I think my parents did a lot of things correctly, but one that really stands out is that they never really tolerated us saying “no” or refusing to do something that we didn’t want to do. This could be anything from not wanting to eat something that was prepared for dinner to not wanting to go to swim practice after school. We were always encouraged to at least “try one bite.” They never forced me to eat everything, but they challenged me to always try a new food before deciding whether I liked it or not. To be clear, I still do not like mushrooms! This attitude of giving something a chance before judging it, and taking things one bite at a time has made the journey more exciting and, palatable, should you say. If I were too afraid to take “just one bite” out of going out on my own to start my own practice or do my own independent thing, I may never have been in the position I am today! Read more>>

Najair

I would say my mother did a lot of right things with me . She always let me do my own thing and be my own person when it came to expressing myself creatively. She would always provide me with whatever I needed like tools or supplies when I wanted to create / work on a project but overall the best thing is she always supported me and never made me feel like I had to doubt my self or my abilities … raising me to be believe in myself . Read more>>

Elle Fields

My mom introduced me to the “CrossFit / HEW” world when I was nine years old. I remember the first morning I woke up to go with her, if it hadn’t been for her encouraging me to go with her when I was a kid I wouldn’t be where I am today. That decision impacted almost every area of my life. I have always made health, wellness, and fitness a FIRST priority in my life. I know a lot of people have never been taught that or been raised the way that I was and for that I cannot thank her enough.  Read more>>

Ayana Loreto

What my parents did right is nothing short of remarkable. They were young, navigating the whirlwind of life while simultaneously stepping into the colossal role of parenthood. Yet, despite the challenges they faced, they kept their chin up and forged ahead with determination and resilience. They also instilled a sense of resilience in me. They faced their own trials and tribulations head-on, teaching me that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success. I learned that it’s okay to stumble; what’s important is how you rise back up and keep moving forward. Their grit became my foundation, inspiring me to chase my dreams fearlessly. Read more>>

Randall Vaughn

I (as well as my siblings) became an entrepreneur because of my parents; my mother instilled the concepts of independence and self-reliance, and my father was a serial entrepreneur. Growing up, working in his businesses (bookstore, theatre) as a child, proved to be invaluable training in developing and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. Being able to bear witness to the trials, tribulations, ups and downs of owning and operating a business was critical in my decision to “take the plunge” into enterprise! I ultimately concluded that I would rather be the master of my own destiny, with entrepreneurship as the vehicle, over working a 9-5 job. Read more>>

Kristina Enokian

I am the first-born child of young immigrant parents. My parents moved to Russia from Armenia in the late 1990s, hoping for a better future. While we are grateful for the opportunities Russia had provided us, we still faced many challenges. I can’t fully express how much they have sacrificed and worked for me and my brothers to have a better life. However, I would like to share their most significant and noble act towards me. One of the hardest things a loving and caring parent can do is let their child go. Despite knowing how unsafe the world can be for a girl they found the courage and wisdom to allow me to find my own path. Imagine how much love a parent must have to let their only daughter fly to an unfamiliar country alone to pursue a career that they don’t fully understand. It would have been easy for them to forbid it and try to keep me in a place where I didn’t belong. But they didn’t. To be honest, knowing myself, I would have pursued my path regardless. Freedom is one of the most important things in my life. However, I am incredibly fortunate to have their blessing on this difficult journey, and I cannot be grateful enough to them for that. Read more>>

Aimee Graham

My mother is a very creative and inspiring individual. Everything she does becomes an artistic endeavor… whether it was cooking, packing lunches, designing Halloween costumes, painting, taking photographs or writing poetry and children’s books… everything— is done thoughtfully and with a creative flair. She inspired with her creativity and perseverance. She also encouraged creativity in both her daughters. We were put into plays and eventually when a colleague began to work at an agency we were motivated to meet the agent there. Read more>>

Gregory Rubin

The one thing that my parents did right was to make sure I had a spiritual relationship with God. Life will throw things at you that no man can help you with. Only God will be able to get you through things like that.They taught me about having integrity and good character. Your reportation could make or break your progress. That also taught me to lead by example, never ask a person to do something that you wouldn’t do; and to work hard and be consistent, and to trust the process. Nothing happens over night. Read more>>

Fnu Milat

My parents played a crucial role in shaping who I am today, particularly through their values and actions. My father, despite facing significant physical challenges due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, instilled in me essential life lessons. From a young age, he taught me the importance of honesty, the value of hard work, and the need to surround myself with positive influences. Read more>>

Deborah Johnson

I am deeply grateful for the love, effort, and sacrifices my parents made in raising us. Three aspects of how they nurtured us stand out as especially significant in shaping my creative and professional journey. First, my mom gave me freedom in the kitchen from a young age. She wasn’t possessive of her kitchen space. As long as I cleaned up after myself, I was free to experiment and make any culinary creation I wanted from a very young age. That freedom allowed me to experiment and explore, and it was crucial in developing my creativity, independence, and passion for cooking. I would spend hours poring over her cookbooks, choosing recipes that piqued my interest, and making them. While she didn’t have a lot of time to cook with me, the freedom she gave me to learn on my own was invaluable. It gave me confidence in the kitchen, which eventually led to countless beautiful and meaningful moments around the table. Read more>>

Shannon Daneshrad

Reflecting on the impact my father had on my life and career, there are a few key principles he embodied that have deeply influenced who I am today. My father was an excellent example of how a parent can support a child in becoming independent, resilient, and emotionally attuned. While he raised two children amidst his own challenges, he always ensured that his problems were not ours to bear, yet he never hid his emotions from us. This transparency normalized emotions in our home, allowing us to express ourselves without shame or judgment. Read more>>

Matt Kozlovac

My parents were always supportive of my passion for music, but they always emphasized the importance of school and having something to fall back on. Since I was a kid, I’ve simultaneously pursued a career in music while also pursuing a professional career in the 9-5 world. Sometimes I have to focus on one more than the other, but it gives me balance and brings me joy knowing that I can do what I love and pay the bills at the same time. Read more>>

Vanessa Wilkes

Oh man, nearly everything. I find it difficult to critique either of them in any real way. For the sake of the question, I think the #1 thing my parents did right that specifically impacted my career was the constant encouragement they offered me. With art, there was never an “if you succeed” mindset in the air—it was always, “You can and will do it.” My dad passed away unexpectedly when I was 12, but my mom doubled down and brought enough encouragement for the both of them combined.  Read more>>

Fitch Jean

I owe a great deal of who I am today to the work ethic and values my parents instilled in me. They are two of the most respectable people I know—hardworking, resilient, and determined to succeed. Their journey profoundly shaped my outlook on life and how I approach my career, particularly running Lenz Films. Read more>>

Deniece Camille

What my parents did right was to impart in me that I was extraordinary. Average was not ever good enough. Both my father and mother made sure that we (5 children) were always academically prepared and always striving for excellence. This impacted my life and career by unwilling beknown to me, I was not ever going to quit. I recognized later on in my life that I would always overcome any obstacle, create innovative tactics that would allow my mind to be powerful, animated, and become a visionary of my empire Deniece-Camille Enterprise LLC. Read more>>

Niya Johnson

Reflecting on the influences of my parents, I can definitely see how their approach shaped my journey as a business owner and chef. They instilled in me values of hard work, creativity, and resilience. One key lesson came from my Mom, and 2 grandmas, who are incredible cooks. they believed in the power of food to bring people together. I remember when I was younger, my mom and grandmothers would alternate on who was hosting for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, and I ALWAYS wanted to help. They would let me peel and chop vegetables, taught me how to season everything, how to mix and incorporate flavors in order to make incredible dishes, all the while explaining the importance of each ingredient and the stories behind the dishes. That experience not only ignited my passion for cooking but also taught me the joy of sharing meals and creating connections through food. Read more>>

Joahnna Lee

One of the things my parents did right—something that isn’t talked about enough—is the series of wise, sometimes difficult decisions they made, along with the generations before them, especially as immigrants from the Philippines. Their sacrifices allowed me to live the life I have today, and most importantly, to genuinely like myself as a person. I think that is a testament to the values and resilience they instilled in me. Read more>>

Andrew Abbott

When I was in second grade my parents decided to move our family from North Carolina to Nigeria. I don’t think it was the wrong choice to make because we all survived (narrowly). I and my three siblings all had bouts with malaria. Cobras, scorpions, and other dangerous animals were regularly spotted in the area we lived. My father contracted hepatitis but was misdiagnosed and as a result nearly died.  Read more>>

Julie Lyon

I am the middle of 5 children. When I was growing up, my parents were always willing to support us in our various artistic endeavors. Between the five of us there were dance, drum, guitar, voice, clarinet, trumpet and art lessons. They were the type of parents who encouraged us in all the ways that they could without ever being stage parents or becoming too personally invested in our progress or success in those endeavors. They made room in the budget for private lessons and supported whatever interested us by doing all the things that parents have to do for their young children; countless trips to lessons and rehearsals, numerous recitals, they never missed those things and they always let us know how proud they were of whatever we were doing. We were a middle class family and 5 kids all engaged in some kind of private lessons or classes must have been expensive but they always found a way. They also didn’t balk when we changed our minds about something. For example, I took dance lessons from age 7 to age 12 then switched gears and started taking piano and voice lessons. They were encouraging and never too strict. Read more>>

Sheida Kermani

My parents have been my biggest teachers in life. From my mother, I learned grace and the importance of always being willing to learn. She noticed my passion for dance and music from an early age and gifted me a Spanish guitar, which I still hold dear to this day. She’s also an incredible cook and passed on many of her skills to me, though I could never match her artistry in the kitchen! Read more>>

Carol Tice

My dad was ahead of his time, telling his two daughters in the early ’60s that they should grow up to have their own income and take care of themselves. I’m sure I would never have gone into business for myself without that empowerment. Read more>>

Andrea Canter

Tracing my current work as a visual artist (far) back to its real beginning, what my parents did “right” was provide exposure to the arts– probably in utero. Neither had any significant arts-related training as children or young adults (although my mother spent one elementary school summer taking children’s art classes in a day camp run by the great Grant Wood near her home town of Cedar Rapids, IA). Both were great fans of classical music and, from my earliest days, I heard music from my dad’s 78s and LPs, from Saturday radio broadcasts of Met Operas, and at live band concerts in the area. I also accompanied my parents to local art exhibits and museums. Read more>>

Kehinde Akinwale

Growing up in a single-parent household, my mother played a pivotal role in shaping my values and aspirations. She instilled in me the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, which has been a guiding force in both my personal and professional life. One of the most impactful lessons she taught me was the importance of resilience and hard work. I remember a time when she faced significant financial challenges. Instead of becoming discouraged, she took it as an opportunity to start a small business. I watched her dedicate countless hours to researching, planning, and executing her ideas, often juggling multiple roles as both a mother and an entrepreneur. Her unwavering determination inspired me to adopt a similar mindset in my own endeavors. Read more>>

Jenna Mutya

This is such an emotional question because I wouldn’t be where I am today without my greatest support system-my parents. They both immigrated to the US from the Philippines as teens, facing the challenges of learning a new language and starting from nothing. Years later, after working hard, they met, got married, and built such a special life for themselves, and my sister, and I. Read more>>

Adina Babad

Our families profoundly shape who we become. My parents, like all of us, made their share of mistakes but also did so many things right that have deeply impacted my life and career. Their unwavering support, assurance, and guidance gave me a strong sense of safety, which showed me the importance of having a reliable support system. Since they’re both in the mental health field, it’s no surprise that I ended up here too, even if it wasn’t my initial plan. Read more>>

Carlos Espinoza

First of all, I am really thankful to my parents. They left everything behind in Mexico for my sister and I to have an incredible life. Without that incredible step of leaving their home country, I would not be here. My parents’ passion for always improving our family and helping others has inspired me. Because of this act, I have always wanted to give back to my community and my city. The reason why I started my own urban design & land planning firm as a Latino was to help people the look like me and speak like me. Latinos are 40% of Texas population, we are growing and demanding businesses that fit our needs and CGEA Planning+Design is here in honor of my immigrant story that helps developers & property owners build better housing opportunities. Read more>>

Kiley Tkaczyk

My parents are very grounded, loving and intelligent people, and I am so grateful for their guidance. My father is very wise, committed, but also lighthearted. One lesson he has emphasized throughout my life is, “Don’t worry about the things you can’t control; only focus on what you can.” This simple but powerful advice has instilled a deep sense of safety within my nervous system, which has positively impacted how I perceive things. It has taught me to navigate uncertainty with a calm mind, allowing me to approach challenges with clarity and confidence. Read more>>

Lana Jainarain

I grew up in southeastern Ohio in a small town where everyone works hard and knows every neighbor. My parents taught me the value of working hard and doing the right thing. We didn’t grow up with much or grow up traveling really, but my parents always took us on camping trips and taught me to value time with each other. I always think about my childhood and I’m thankful for all of the sacrifices my parents made to get me where I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to see the world. Read more>>

Amber Lingen

Moving from North Dakota to Nashville was a significant change in my life, one that required immense bravery, courage, and discipline. As I reflect on this journey, I realize that I owe much of my strength and resilience to my incredible parents. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work, respect, authenticity, accountability, courage, gratitude, and so much more. They taught me that no dream is too big and no challenge too daunting if faced with determination and a positive attitude. Their unwavering support and belief in my potential have been my guiding light. Read more>>

Dr. Angela Butts Chester

My parents did more than raise me—they poured powerful values into the foundation of who I am today. My father instilled in me an unwavering belief in myself, teaching me that confidence is my birthright. He showed me the importance of honoring others and contributing positively to the community, while also reminding me always to uplift those around me. Legacy is not just built, it’s passed down. Read more>>

Najim Qadourah

My mom is The Best Man she has been a constant source of support and motivation, encouraging you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. Her belief in your abilities has given you the confidence and drive to follow this path, helping you stay focused and committed to your goals.i remember when i was 9 years old i use to sell snacks in the break room at Shaw university while my mom was in class. We made good money from that Read more>>

Nick Cheatham

Both of my parents are business owners, as were both of my grandfathers. They set an example for me by consistently showing up, making sacrifices, and working hard pursuing their dreams to ensure the success and vitality of their businesses so that they could support their family. In regard specifically to my parents, they created space for me to be creative and fostered an incredible amount of support, both financially and emotionally by encouraging me to take certain risks. Whenever I have a business idea, I go to my dad and mom and they share their feedback and offer other great suggestions. My greatest business advisor is my dad. Read more>>

Rukmini (vinaya) Rednam

My parents never limited me. I didn’t always get the perfect score or was always first in my class but they never let me limit my imagination to what I could become. They supported me, my curiosity and my desire to forge a path for myself. Now as a parent myself, I recognize how important and vital this was for me to reach the success I have today. I am forever grateful to them. Read more>>

Courtney Slater

I am so thankful that from a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of education, shaping my drive to earn my college degree. Despite distractions and challenges, I persevered and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication and a minor in Health Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After my dad made it clear he would no longer support my education if I didn’t take it seriously, I took that message to heart. With determination and a commitment to my future, I worked my way through the last years of school not only as a student but also as a wife and mom. While I didn’t initially know how to apply my degree, I now see how those early lessons have come full circle in my life as a wife, mom and realtor. Read more>>

Senovia Barral

My parents from a very young age never told me to do to. And what I mean by that is they always allowed me to think and speak freely for myself. They never pushed their own agenda onto me. They allowed me to gain my own perspective in the world and what’s around me to develop my own opinions. They always support me no matter what I do! Read more>>