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.

Lauren Herzak-Bauman

I was born to two overly supportive parents, and a long lineage of creative spirits on both sides of my family. When I gravitated towards art, my parents were thrilled that I found something I loved and supported me in my pursuits. When I had idea, I didn’t hear no; instead they asked me how I set out to accomplish it. Read more>>

Anna May Mijares

My parents set a good example for me. They are good, honest, hardworking people. They did everything they could to give my brother and I all the blessings we received in life. We didn’t always see eye to eye on things but seeing how hard they worked for their family inspired me to do the same for mine. If I could be half the woman my mother is, my family would be considered very blessed to have me. Read more>>

Kathy Buccio

My parents taught me the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. I saw firsthand how hard they worked to not just provide for me, but to give me a better life. I cannot even begin to imagine what it feels like to leave your country behind, only to be thrust in a whole new world to navigate new customs, new culture, and a new language. It is a testament to their strength and resilience, something that I carry with me today. Read more>>

Keyon Tuiteleleapaga

When I think about everything that my parents have been through -like- when I consider how young they were when they had my sister and I; I feel like its safe to say that they had so many opportunities where they could have “dropped the ball.” To be honest, my parents did SO many things right. But, for the sake of answering the question… Read more>>

DEBBIE POLISKY

My Dad was a well known cardiologist, stress management expert and author on stress, from Argentina (where I grew up). I always admired him as he was very studious, patient and embodied everything he spoke about regarding stress and positivity. In his early 60s, when I graduated as a Licensed Dietitian from the University of Buenos Aires, instead of thinking about retiring from his private practice, Read more>>

Crystal Holloway

Besides giving me life (lol), I’d say my parents ingrained in me to always be a leader. I remember as early as grade-school being taught basic life lessons and that was a major key. To lead by example while in school and amongst my peers while making my own mark on the world. That one lesson stayed with me throughout adulthood, which I apply to my career and how I handle business. Some people are natural born leaders while others just fall in line where they can, for me it’s balance and knowing when each role is necessary and needs to be applied. Read more>>

Bernard Smith

My parents let me figure things out. This helps with my competence and confidence in the real world because life requires the ability to solve problems and make decisions. Sometimes situations become uncertain, time-pressured, and intense. When I was growing up, the path to get where I am wasn’t exactly direct, and some days I can hardly believe I made it this far. After all, my only reference point for technology was the Xbox I played at my friends’ houses. Read more>>

Camille Garrigues

My mom taught me the invaluable lesson that how your life feels is far more important than how it looks. From a young age, my mom taught me by example that an abundant, fulfilling, and joyful life has little to do with money and material things and everything to do with cultivating joy in daily life, following your heart, soul & intuition, and paying close attention to how your life feels. Read more>>

Ariel Glaze

My mom supported every idea I had and I do mean everything! From wanting to be a marine biologist as a child, to being a model in high school, a television reporter at the beginning of undergrad, and when I took my biggest risk junior year of undergrad to change my major, when I found my passion of being a counselor. My mom always believed in me and told me there was nothing I could not do. Her passion allowed me to explore and find my passion in life, and to not hold back on any dream I had. She always believed in me and I am so grateful for her support. Read more>>

Rachelle Sylvain-Spence

Well, I owe a whole lot to my parents and when I say parents, it includes my maternal grandmother as well. You see i come from a strong Haitian heritage and a line of women who define resiliences. Born in New York City and partially raised in Haiti. I experienced Haiti at its best and hardest times. I was exposed to the world’s best , however always aware of its struggles. This upbringing led me to the dynamic women I am today. Read more>>

Edgardo Rodriguez

First of all my parents sacrificed all luxuries for themselves to ensure I had the best education possible while growing up in a somewhat rough neighborhood in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. They knew that would be the way to provide me more opportunities to be a successful adult. They thought me to respect everyone and to treat everyone as equals. Read more>>

Fabio Alejandro Rojas

My parents never gave me anything just because.. it was very clear from the beginning i had to have not just a strong desire but a plan and the will to earn it, Like with my first guitar and how working a few hours and developing a plan so then i could with in a budget get the instrument, even more drastic asking for a drum set for about seven years but i could only get it after showing to them my commitment to music by playing the guitar and piano ok on point and of course taking care of my responsibility at home and school. Read more>>

Kelis Kennedy

You know, I saw a post earlier that said, ” the older I get, I appreciate my upbringing so much more.”, and they couldn’t have said it better. I’m so thankful of the principles my parents instilled in my sisters and I. They allowed me to be expressive, and how to speak up for myself. I see these are two things that my peers struggle with currently. As for the expression we have so many different channels like IG, FB, TWITTER, and TIKTOK, but the issue is many don’t know themselves. Read more>>

Cosmo

Shout out to mom dukes for real. She got me everything I needed to make music. Without her support I would not be where I’m at today. Christmas Eve I opened my first keyboard and actually shit myself. After that I wasn’t using type beats no more. Read more>>

Ashonta Clarke

There were several things I felt my parents did right. There were very critical things and perspectives though, I felt that they mastered. The greatest of those things being the fact that they never closed me in. They never made me feel like the sky was the limit. It was very normal and expected to push further, think deeper, and ultimately dream. Read more>>

M.J. Evans

I grew up in a family of artists: dancers, painters, woodworkers, quilters. While I am a distant relative of C.S. Lewis, I am the only writer in my immediate family. The best thing my parents did was encourage me and my siblings to pursue our dreams. My mom had me write my dreams on an index card and place it where I could read what I had written every day. Read more>>

Meg Daly

My parents moved to Miami in 1960. It was a young city that had enormous potential. As my dad once said, “if you want to do something in Miami there are no barriers for entry. But you will probably do it by yourself.” My parents were doers. If they saw a problem, the didn’t just complain, they tried to fix it. Read more>>

Vania Bredy

My mother was a strong woman who invested herself in the lives of her children. As a single mother, she ensured that her kids knew and understood the power of strength, dedication and commitment. We watched her reach goals throughout her life with odds stacked against her. She always persevered and never showed her hand. As children, she created a safe space for us to grow and prosper. We in turn are doing the same for our children. My strength and ability to endure the rigors of life is a direct reflection of what she exemplified as a strong woman. Read more>>