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.

Kharisma Faulkner

My mom is the reason I am who I am today. She’s the definition of a true nurturer, and I think that’s one of the most powerful gifts a parent can give a child. Read More>>

Karla Palos

My parents raised me loved, truly loved, and supported every one of my wild ideas and dreams, even the crazy ones. They blanketed me with softness, resilience, resourcefulness, humility, and humor. Those qualities became my compass in life and in everything I create. My dad was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words carried love and wisdom. Read More>>

Andréa D. Wells

What my parents did right was model creativity and critical thinking. They both encouraged me to develop my mind and my talents but to always use them for good. They’re both creatives, yet deeply grounded, and they taught me that talent without character and hard work doesn’t build anything that lasts. Their love was my first example of healthy partnership. Read More>>

Doug Westcott

My parents have always been my biggest supporters. From me forcing them to listen to a new song I wrote, when I was just starting to write, to buying me merch to sell at shows, to driving me to Louisiana for a show at the Hard Rock Cafe on Burbon St in New Orleans. Read More>>

Maryann Roberts

My parents were wonderful roles models to me and their relationship inspired me to become a professional matchmaker. They were not at all alike if I think about their personalities but they balanced one another and they prioritized each other and our family over everything else in their lives. They taught me that family is everything. Read More>>

Corey Dissin

My mother was a teacher for 50 years. And growing up, her occupation permeated every facet of my life. Grading papers after dinner was commonplace, buttoning up lesson plans, and going to PTA meetings was just part of the normal fabric. And with her commute to her school, she was out the door on school days an hour before me. Read More>>

Tanner Droll

I grew up with parents who owned a bowling center and bar, plus an ice cream shop — so business and hard work were kind of in my blood from the start. They were incredibly dedicated and ran both places for over 30 years, and even though they’ve since sold them, both are still open today. Read More>>

Terry Hord and Tamara Kahn 

Tamara and Terry’s parents, Cheryl and David Haber, taught them some of the most valuable lessons of their lives — lessons that shaped who they are today. From their mother, Cheryl, they learned the power of kindness, empathy, and emotional strength. She modeled joy, honesty, and compassion every day, teaching her daughters to treat others with fairness, gratitude, and love. Read More>>

Michael Pierce

I think it’s always easy to point out what a parent may not have done “right” when raising a child, especially when you’re talking about your own life experiences. But for me, one thing that was instilled from a very young age, and something I’ve spoken about throughout my life, is a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Rasheidra Harmon

Throughout my life, my parents have allowed me to make mistakes but still supported me at every turn. Despite being an adult, I still see myself as their child, and as I progress and grow through life I continue to learn. Read More>>

Stephanie KING

My mom is my greatest inspiration. She modeled consistency, hard work, and faithh for both my sister and I. She never preached success but showed it through her actions. My mom has this quiet strength about her; no matter how tough things got, she made it clear that quitting wasn’t an option. Read More>>

Saxe Speaks

My parents gave me the gift of having a voice at a very young age. They didn’t just allow me to speak, they listened. They encouraged me to ask questions, share opinions, and make decisions, even when I was still learning how to navigate the world. That kind of trust built a foundation of confidence and self-awareness that followed me into adulthood. Read More>>

Maria Shantanova

I come from a family where two worlds meet : the quiet dignity of doctors on my father’s side and the unstoppable energy of strong women on my mother’s side. My dad is a dentist, and my grandparents were both doctors – my grandfather a surgeon and my grandmother a radiologist. They were deeply respected, kind people who lived with grace and purpose. Read More>>

Serena Rae

My parents did a lot of things right in raising me, but what I am most grateful for is that they gave me a space to pursue my passions. Without them encouraging me to work hard and go after what I want in life, I definitely would not be where I am today. Read More>>

Kyle Dillingham

Like most children my interests were diverse. It’s surprising for some to learn that as a kid and even up until high school, I was focused on a career as a professional skateboarder. I was also into basketball and even quite serious for a good part of my childhood about following in my grandpa’s footsteps to become a wheat and cattle farmer! Read More>>

Prince De León

I didn’t meet my parents until I was 18. At the time, I was in foster care and had been since I was 15. I didn’t know what unconditional love looked or felt like, especially within a family. Displacement and impermanence were the only constants in my life back then. When I finally met my parents, everything changed. Read More>>

Stephanie Lauredent-Diasio

There’s A LOT they did right. My parents are the reason that I have a strong sense of self and the desire to support as many people as I can through my wellness businesses. When I think back on my toughest moments before starting my business, I often think about how supportive and encouraging my parents were. Read More>>

Alexx Herrera

I’ll start off by saying my parents are my mom Francisca and my aunt Olivia who I consider my second parent. They’re cousins and best friends, and they both raised me. I am so happy to have the opportunity to share what they did right and how they impacted my life and career because they’re truly amazing. Read More>>

Kenjamin Franklin

Taking me to Broadway Musicals… and buying me a transistor radio. It was my introduction to the world of music. They also promoted healthy eating… it enabled me to not be addicted to the junk food that too many eat in high frequency. Read More>>

Rafi Levy

My parents came to this country with nothing and built a life through hard work, resilience, and faith in possibility. They taught me to show up even when things are uncertain, to keep going when it gets hard, and to surround myself with people who challenge me to grow. Read More>>

Preethi Balasubramanian

I grew up in a home where entrepreneurship wasn’t a buzzword — it was just life. My father ran his own business, which meant I saw everything up close: the wins, the heartbreaks, the betrayals, and the comebacks. Read More>>

 Julie Snidle

My parents were teenagers in rural Minnesota during WWII. Howard and Shirley were good kids who graduated from the same high school and married in their early twenties; I came along in 1955 as their first born. Throughout my childhood my parents provided me with the supplies and materials needed to make paper dolls, sewing projects, and little cardboard houses. Read More>>