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.

Cinematic Radeo

My parents have been entrepreneurs for as long as I can remember, and that inspired me to value independence and the idea of working for myself. I used to spend weekends in New York with my dad, watching him meet with clients. He only worked a few days each month, which was so different from my friends’ parents, who were working every single day. I knew I wanted that kind of freedom and lifestyle. Read more>>

Gail Ragains

My mother was an artist her entire life. Growing up I can remember the smells of turpentine, the sketchbooks and artbooks throughout the house, my dad building frames for her large canvases. Having 4 kids didn’t stop her from making art a priority in her life. When we were toddlers she would put us in a playpen so she could pull out her easel and paint everyday. At the end of her life she had dementia and couldn’t remember what she did 5 minutes ago, but she was able to pick up a charcoal pencil and draw from life like she had done decades before. During this time I hired a model to come and sit, and we would draw together. Her abilities as an artist remained with her throughout the dementia decline, and ultimate death. Art was a stronghold in her life. Read more>>

Cynthia Eid

My parents were both makers in their spare time. My mother sewed, wove, stitched rugs, and led us kids with craft projects. My father’s father was a carpenter, and my dad seemed like he could make or fix anything. My dad and grandfather built the house I lived in until I was 12, as well as most of the furniture. When I was 12, my parents bought a large old house that had interesting features, such as oval and round windows, but was a wreck. Being part of the transformation was a big lesson in visualizing potential, and making it happen through hard work. Read more>>

Chloe Lang

One thing my parents did right was put me in every sport, extracurricular activity, music and dance lessons, theatre programs, and provide me with the opportunity to engage in various hobbies. Growing up I was always on the go. When I wasn’t in school, I was at dance practice, a soccer game, guitar lessons, art class, singing lessons, or playing outside with my neighborhood friends. Ive alway felt because I was raised with so much opportunity around me and ability to participate in all these different types of activities, its helped me become the creative, aspirational, hard-working person I am today. Read more>>

Lisa Guo

My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my interests and ambitions. They’ve always encouraged me to explore new things. When I was in kindergarten, I told them I wanted to learn piano, and they made it happen. Later, I picked up the harmonica, flute, and guitar. They also gave me a lot of emotional support every time. In 2020, I was considering pursuing music as a career and told my mom I wanted to apply to Berklee College of Music the following year. She said, “Why don’t you apply now?” That moment pushed me to take the leap sooner than I’d planned, and it marked the start of my professional music journey. Their belief in me has always given me the confidence to go after my dreams.  Read more>>

Sarah Ziroll

Elizabeth Crowther vowed never to stifle her children. Now, she has five very vivacious adult children who are leaders. My parents got many things right because my mom studied family and child development. When she became a mom she had proven child development theories she could depend on. They believed in fostering independence and letting us learn through experience, so we explored the world and made mistakes. They taught us resilience and problem-solving skills, so we often had blisters and occasional stitches. My dad always gave us one more try to get up on that waterski. My mother allowed me to fail and figure out how to bounce back. She emphasized the value of growth over perfection. Their approach was rooted in trust and confidence in our abilities, allowing us to take ownership of our lives from a young age. Read more>>

Jersey Doll

There are three things that come to mind right away. First, I have to say that my work ethic came from my parents. My father worked hard to provide for our family and while also going to school, earning several degrees. Over the years, there were times he worked multiple jobs and made smart money decisions and investments to create opportunities for our family. My mother had retired early from working to stay at home and care for me after sustaining a work related injury. This didn’t slow her down, as she always remained active with home projects, crafting, cooking for our family and others, helping at my school and our church. I began working in the family business when I was seven years old, answering the phone and setting appointments and learned at a very early age, how to behave professionally and work with the public. Working hard also taught me how good it feels to do a job well done, and to see a task through to completion. It is easy to give up when faced with opposition and walk away from something that may not come easy, but it is far more rewarding to stick it out and fight to the end, looking back on tasks and goals you were able to accomplish. Never give up and never surrender! Read more>>

Lundyn Majstorovic

I see traces of my parents’ life lessons within my life and business every day. I grew up in a family that I had “chores” from a very small age. From the day-to-day things that were expected of me to get done, to every other Sunday we had a list of deep-cleaning chores ( a full page lengths long) to get done before we were allowed to go anywhere or hang out with friends.  That long list included chores from wiping baseboards, to pulling weeds outside in our yard. There were plenty of times my sisters and I would whine that we got the harder list. Each of us girls were also required to spend 1 summer working with my dad on his construction sites cleaning and helping bring plywood and 2 by 4s to my dad’s foremen.  Read more>>

Caroline Mills

First off I want to clarify that I was the last of four, so my parents had time to figure out how to raise a child. They’ve always been open and accepting with all of us, allowing us to pursue whatever we want and help us along the way if we had any problems. I can always remember from a young age my parents never forcing me to do things I didn’t want to do, and letting me decide what I liked and disliked on my own. When I was around the age of three I told my mom that Sunday I didn’t want to go to church anymore, and that was the end of it! They never pushed me to be like them or do the things they wanted to do (I did end up loving a lot of the same things they do, like music and comic books). As I grew up and art became a passion of mine, they allowed me to do that whenever and however I wanted. I had time to myself to practice and experiment with art which allowed me to figure out that is what I wanted to do with my future. My house has always been an open and loving house which I’m eternally grateful for. I could type pages and pages about their love and acceptance, especially them helping me deal with my mental illnesses, applying to university, learning how to be an adult, etc. They’ve always been my best friends and have allowed me to grow into the person I wanted to be. Read more>>

Marshall Rabil

They focused on providing us with the best experiences and education that they could. They instilled a high moral code of what was right and wrong. They had strong work and personal ethics. They supported dreams. They were disciplined and had high expectations for us. They know that the details matter. They were role models as community stewards, which is something I love about our brand. As a family owned business in a small town, we try to integrate our brand with our community and that’s something that was passed down through the three generations of family that came before me. We believe that we can be a business that our community supports and stands behind because we genuinely care and can make a difference through creative partnerships and initiatives.  Read more>>

Grace Hathcoat

Absolutely everything. I could not be more grateful that my parents are my parents!! They instilled at an early age that success and rightful recognition/rewards are earned through hard work and determination, not handed over and I have applied that every day throughout my adult life! Having both worked everyday of their lives since the age of 16, my parents are some of the most admirable, hardworking providers/human beings I know and I just hope I am making them proud. Read more>>

Her Eminence Dr. Eloisa Crawley – Bonaparte

Growing up in a strict Christian home, my parents instilled in me the values of morality, education, and excellence. My mother, a remarkable woman, wore many hats as an entrepreneur, registered nurse, and pastor. My father was a New York State Judge, professor, and pastor. Their commitment to their professions and faith provided a strong foundation for my development. One of the core lessons they imparted was the importance of giving more than receiving and serving others for the betterment of mankind. This principle shaped not only my character but also my career path.  Read more>>

Kristina Kendrick

My parents did a lot of things right and owe my work ethic and determination to them. Both my mom and dad worked extremely hard but always had time to teach, love and support. When it came to picking what college to go and what type of career to pursue; they supported those choices. My mom came from a creative family and while her job was at a bank; she taught me every creative skill she could. Volunteering was also something my mom instilled in me and is something that also drives me everyday. Read more>>

Jose Aleman

There are two main things that my parents taught me that have helped me tremendously in life. 1) to respect other people and expect respect from them regardless of who they are. This has helped me interact with all sorts of people from all different socio-economic classes, different ages, different privileges, and not feel intimidated by those facets. At the end of the day, they are a human that deserves respect, and I am one as well that deserves respect. Read more>>

Kyle Lampi

Ultimately, my parents taught me the power of consistency. I didn’t need to be perfect or even good at anything—I just had to keep showing up. I remember trying out for the basketball team in middle school. Honestly, I had no business going out for basketball; I was terrible. But I kept showing up to practice and giving it my all. I spent hours in the front yard at home, shooting basket after basket—most of them misses. I played until the streetlights came on, and funny enough, I never got much better! But somehow, I made the team. Sure, I only played in the last minute or two of games we were already winning, but I still got to play.  Read more>>

Victoria Sears

My parents gave me up for adoption to my grandparents. My grandmother gave me a strong belief in God that has helped me through out hardships in my teen and adulthood. My grandad poured wisdom into me throughout my life and made me feel safe. I also picked up my sense of style from him. My mom was in and out of my life due to substance abuse. My dad wasn’t in my life really. Some of the comedy I tell is based off true childhood stories. Being raised by my grandparents definitely had its stories. Read more>>

Taylor Kelly

My parents did a fantastic job instilling the values of resilience, curiosity, and a strong work ethic in me. One story that stands out is how they encouraged me to pursue my interests, no matter how unconventional they seemed. When I was growing up, they supported my entrepreneurial spirit, whether it was setting up a lemonade stand or brainstorming ways to improve everyday tasks. That early encouragement helped me feel confident in my ability to create and solve problems, ultimately inspiring my decision to pursue a degree in entrepreneurship. Sure, many people might perceive my approach to life as unconventional. Over the years, people either get it or they don’t. What I have learned is that embracing who you are is one of the most important keys to success and happiness in life. Read more>>

Jess Velasco

From a young age, my parents encouraged me to take the road less traveled and taught me how to embrace independence. Little did I know, I was a young entrepreneur at heart. Instead of selling lemonade, like most children were doing- I wanted something more active. So, I grabbed a bucket and sponge and started washing cars in the neighborhood. One day when I was 15, I asked my Mom what was I going to eat at school? Her response was to lend me her debit card and said, “You are old enough to plan, pack, and budget your meals from now on.” I was surprised, yet thrilled. Every week, I was trusted with a $40 budget for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. At first, I stumbled upon overspending. But my parents used those moments to teach me about financial education and making thoughtful choices within my means. Read more>>

Charlotte Ross

Growing up, my mom always had different arts and crafts projects for my siblings and I to do after school and on the weekends with friends. She always encouraged us to express ourselves through color and creativity, reminding us that life was all about finding what brings us joy. It didn’t matter what our future job title was or how much money we had in our savings, as long as we were finding beauty in the day to day and sharing love with the world. My dad owned, and still owns, a small real estate business – he was less the “artsy” type but more so the motivator and inspirational speaker. He called us “the cans” and reminded us every day that we could do anything we set our minds to – a cliché to hear over and over as a kid with no concept of what that would mean for my adulthood, but now reflecting back, it has shaped my mindset in so many ways. Read more>>

Karena Osborne

My parents were the cornerstone of my journey into entrepreneurship. From the very beginning, they nurtured a spark within me, a fire that fueled my drive to achieve my dreams. One memory stands out vividly: as a child, I was exhausted and reluctant to practice for my piano recital. My father, ever the wise and gentle soul, approached me with a solution I didn’t expect. He asked if I could teach him the piece I was preparing to play. In that moment, he didn’t force or push; instead, he aligned with my strengths. By inviting me to teach him, he avoided a power struggle, created a cherished memory, and unknowingly kindled my passion for teaching and leadership. Read more>>

Evgeny Kolskiy

My parents always gave me the freedom to make my own choices and never forced me to follow their wishes. From a young age, they allowed me to make my own decisions, experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. I believe this was a key factor in my development as a creative individual. For example, when I was deciding where to study, they never opposed my choices but supported me instead, saying, “Give it a try; maybe you’ll like it.” This approach allowed me to grow in my own unique direction. Read more>>

Drake Myers

My dad passed away when I was young, so my mom became the cornerstone of our family. She owned a custom picture frame shop that also served as an art gallery. My sister and I practically grew up there. She worked tirelessly to support us, but it was clear she loved what she did. She didn’t just make frames; she gave her customers something meaningful—beautiful, high-quality pieces that highlighted their artwork. Read more>>

E.j. Salinas

When I was a child, I would always voice my dreams out loud so that my Parents could hear what I was believing would come to pass in my life. For example, I would use phrases such as, “I’m going to do that one day.” This was especially true when it came to places where I believed that I was going to minister. Having said this, in my journey as a creator my Mom would always say, “Just do it.” What she meant by this was that if JESUS had placed something on my heart to do then there was nothing that would be able to stop me. And my Dad would agree by saying, “You do what JESUS told you to do and don’t worry about what anyone else says.” Since hearing these words of encouragement to purse the calling that GOD has placed in my life, I have been able to accomplish so much and have continued pursuing my dreams every day since my childhood. All I can say is that I thank JESUS for the fact that I didn’t have to deal with the struggle of having Parents who didn’t believe in me or didn’t understand the vision that GOD had given to me. Read more>>

Kate Kulaga

My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Growing up with divorced parents, my mom raised my twin sister and me and cultivated in us the importance of hard work combined with the power of listening to our internal guidance. We’ve developed a supportive and loving relationship with our dad over the years, too, and have learned from him the power of humility and determination. They took different paths in life, but always turned their paths to their passions, and have unwaveringly supported us in doing the same. Read more>>

Emily Moricz

My parents have always encouraged me to put in the maximum effort to any project or activity I take on. Whether it was presenting a PowerPoint on why I should get a hamster at age 10 or applying to college, both my mom and dad modeled and taught me that the only answer is hard work, always. My dad has the ability to build anything, and he has included me in many of his remodel or building endeavors (often to his detriment). I can’t count the amount of times my father lectured me on doing things right the first time, and to never cut once without measuring twice. Read more>>

Gabriel Gonzalez

Both of my parents have instilled so many values that I appreciate and that make me the person I am today. I believe the qualities of perseverance and resilience they have modeled and instilled in me have put me where I am today. Everything from furthering my education, dedication to continuous learning, and opening a business has stemmed from the strong work ethic that was cultivated during my upbringing. They also emphasized the importance of kindness and integrity, which I strive to embody in my professional and personal life. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities have been the foundation of my confidence to pursue and achieve my goals. Read more>>

Janessa Borges

“You can be and do anything you put your mind to.” That is a resounding line that echoes through my mind often. A seed planted by my parents that continues to grow to this day. There is absolutely nothing in my life that I’ve ever truly wanted, and aimed for that I haven’t achieved. The lessons came not just by their words but by their actions. I come from a long line of persevering and passionate Cubans that left everything behind for a chance of freedom and safety for their families. They started from the ground up all over again, and risked everything to provide their children and future generations to live in a world with freedom of speech and the opportunity to be and do “anything they set their minds to.” Read more>>

Mae Krell

My parents are both immigrants, and are both very realistic people- which I think can often be seen as a negative trait when it comes to pursuing an arts career, but in my case I think it pushed me to work harder for what I wanted. When I first told my parents I wanted to make music, they were confused: I was shy, hated public speaking and didn’t even play an instrument. But my mom knew I wrote poetry, and she thought it would be a great idea to try to make those poems into songs. Read more>>

Sinclair David

Being raised by a single mother, I can confidently say that my mother did many things right, shaping the person I am today in a profoundly positive way. Growing up, I didn’t get to see or spend as much time with her as I wanted. She was a businesswoman, managing her rental units and running a cafeteria as the head chef. I often tried to connect with her, but she was always busy. However, she offered to take me to work with her at the cafeteria. She would leave the house at 4 a.m., and I would eagerly pack my bag the night before, excited to spend time with her. Read more>>

David Rashty

In 2006 the Dr found a spot on my dad’s pancreas. I was living in FL at the time and jumped on the first flight back to NY (where I grew up in Sands Point, Long Island) I spent every day of the last 4 months of my dad’s life with him – cooking every day – also taking him to Dr’s appts. My dad was in and out of the hospital over the last 4 months – he passed away in his own home – and me as his primary care giver ( I was a paramedic for NYC while in college) Before my dad passed away he told me to do do something with cooking (it was a hobby, but never thought about doing it professionally) Read more>>

Aubrey Shannon

My parents really instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and a deep understanding of the for the hardships of others. I remember a moment so clearly—my dad and I were driving down East Hastings. I was observing the difficult situations around us, and he turned to me and said, “We need to have a strong sense of love and empathy for these people becasue they are all here because they are in pain. No one chose to be here. The circumstances of their life have led them here, and we need to walk through the world in a way that honours the people around us, and prevent us from doing harm, and causing pain.” That moment stuck with me and shaped how I approach my work and my life. Read more>>

Aidan Ashland

My parents have always maintained a complete belief in my future as an artist. At no point in my life have they suggested I get a “real job” or proposed any measure of doubt in my chances of success. This full-hearted belief is the bedrock on which I get my bearings when the realities of a career in music bear down a little too harshly. Read more>>

Moun D’simone

My parents were a lot of things. I had a very colorful childhood, which has inspired much of the work I do today. But one thing that was instrumental was that I felt loved. I felt unconditionally loved by my parents. Whatever I was going through, I knew I could always count on that love. A kind of love that has shaped how I love others, and the kinda of love I know is possible and want to inspire in others too. Perhaps it was because my mother lost both of her parents by the time she was 10 years old, she wanted to love and not miss a day. Yes, no matter what she went through and what was going on in our lives she loved fiercely, she loved me and my brothers in a way that was so all-encompassing. A love that also inspired me to feel confident to pave my own path, a love that gave us choice and a wide view so that I could choose a path that felt truly me, I was never forced to follow a career for example because that is what I should do. Their love spoke like, follow your heart, do what makes you happy, we are always here for you. That is the kinda love I wish for everyone! Read more>>

Tyler J. Edwards

My parents did an amazing job at showing me that anything is possible. My father came to Canada from Grenada with just $300 to his name and worked on a railroad for years. But he had bigger dreams for him and his family so he used his time outside of work to volunteer with the Liberal Party of Canada. After becoming a staple in his community due to his involvement in politics, he then became a successful paralegal, which eventually led to becoming a Justice of the Peace for the Ontario Court of Justice— all without ever attending university. As he climbed the justice ladder, my mother always made sure I was involved in programs and initiatives that allowed my creativity to thrive. Read more>>

Julie Paige

Growing up, I wasn’t exactly a star student- I wasn’t great at test taking and math was literally my arch-nemesis. Whenever school felt tough or especially when I’d get my report card, my mom would always remind me of how amazing my creativity was. She’d make it sound like it was an incredible superpower to be creative- I wholeheartedly embraced this. I NEVER felt bad about not being the best at math or any other subjects. Instead, I just felt like I had my own special kind of magic. This later changed in college where I went on to be a star student haha- but this encouragement my mom gave me as a child has truly shaped and carried me through life in the best way possible. Read more>>

Kiera O’connor

My parents did so many things right, but one of the most important things they did was create a safe space for me to grow, explore, and be myself. They worked as a team, always supporting one another and supporting me. There was never a moment where I felt like I couldn’t turn to them. They truly believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in myself. Their encouragement and their consistent belief in my potential were the foundations that gave me the strength to strive for excellence. Read more>>