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.

April Smith

My parents separated when I was 15. I was grateful because they constantly fought and there was always tension in the house. What they did do right was teach me how to read people and how to emotionally regulate on my own. Read more>>

Charmaine Freeman

I believe my parents instilled in me a set of morals and values that has guided me throughout my life like a compass. My parents are not perfect and I don’t always agree with them but I know, in raising me they did the best that they could. Read more>>

Emma Gibbs

Out of so many things that my parents did right, the most impactful on myself and my career was being my number one supporters from the start. Read more>>

Ana Van Bosse

I remember my mother always being kind to everyone, whether it was someone who worked for our business or neighbors or someone asking for food. She always instilled compassion and gratitude. Read more>>

Rachel Nabet

We became a blended family of 8 when my mom married my dad. six kids, three boys, three girls. I was the youngest girl. Raising six kids during the 70’s and 80’s could not have been easy. Read more>>

Olivia Barrier

My parents always have pushed me to work for what I get. They also have always pushed me to be respectful, kind, & loving to people! Read more>>

Amber Tolbert

My parents did the best they could and gave me all they could. I grew up on a farm in a tiny town in South Carolina. Many would of described my childhood as “sheltered”. Read more>>

Yoni Sonis

My parents were a great support factor when I started my art career and even till today I still get advice from them. Both my parents immigrated to the United States from Argentina with little to nothing and managed to work hard and provide tools for me to experiment my creativity. Read more>>

Edy Lan

I think they always allowed me to communicate and pursue my own goals and dreams, as long as I was dedicated and convinced myself that those were right for me. Read more>>

Vira Magallanes Egli

I love this question. I often bring up that my secret weapon or super power is having had the privilege of growing up in a loving, non-judgmental and nurturing home. Read more>>

Cody Schibi

My parents did what I believe ALL parents should do, which is the simple act of supporting their child’s interests & helping them grow. I ALWAYS loved drawing & I would constantly do it when I was a little rascal. Read more>>

Lori Gasca

I was 7 years old at a summer revival and on the 5th stanza of “Just As I Am,” my little feet couldn’t stay still any longer and they took me down that aisle where I openly and willingly professed my love for Jesus and asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. Read more>>

Sarah Morris

Oh, how much do I love this question! There’s a book that’s been incredibly important in my creative life (and I know many others feel the same) – The Artists’ Way, by Julia Cameron. Read more>>

Ayanna Johnson

My parents were both artists and creatives themselves, so a lot of my core identity as a creator is rooted in what they taught me. I feel my whole family enriched my life with memorable experiences in art and history during my formative years. Read more>>

Andrea Violette

First, let me assert that I have the most remarkable parents; feel free to challenge me. My parents have consistently fostered an environment where my brothers and I are encouraged to pursue what brings us joy. Read more>>

Chloe Blodgett

I credit my parents as the catalyst for everything that’s driving me in life right now. They passed their interest in art, history, literature, and photography down to me from a young age. Read more>>

Stuart Urch

I have been incredibly blessed to have great parents. At the age of 3 I had an interest in getting stronger, faster, and more muscular. I know that sounds weird, but I’ve always been fascinated with the body and how we can control those things I mentioned. Read more>>

Chelsea Leader Gold

I grew up the child of a national Television Producer who did a lot of the heavy lifting and an attorney that took parenting lightly — one person who was awesome at doing things rebelliously differently and one who was a fabulous passenger, along for the ride. Read more>>

Kate Zeitler

Growing up with an entrepreneurial dad, I caught the freedom bug early. He showed me that owning your business isn’t just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle. Read more>> 

Theresa Shubert

My parents gave me the freedom to choose my own journey, and provided an exceptional example of hard work and commitment. They have demonstrated a strong and supportive partnership, and are approaching 46 years of marriage. Read more>>

APE HOUSE

At one point in the late 80s my father who had lost a very high paying job and the manager for Nigerias only telecommunication company at that time decided it would be a great idea to come to the US to study as a pastor. Read more>>

Jake Schnur

My parents did two things right when raising me, which have impacted my life and career: they gave me bits of affirmations to provide me with courage and confidence and the openness to talk about our finances and business while growing up. Read more>>

Ayan McCardell

Growing up in Baltimore City was definitely not always “ideal”. I was raised by a single mother and my big sister and they did their best to shield and protect me from the hardships of my city. Read more>>

Ashley Boyleston

My life was pretty hectic growing up. I was raised by my father and brother. My father owned his own electrical contracting business and taught me to very independent and hands-on from an early age. Read more>>

Michel McNabb

My parents did everything right to encourage me and my brother to be creative. I grew up in the country but close to downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, Growing up in the midwest with parents who were raised in the city was very influential for me as an artist. Read more>>

Thermb2fly

It has great impact on my drive and force in my creative process. From a young age I knew music was something I understood and felt in a way. Read more>>

Delveen Tahir

Ms. Tahir is one of ten children born to Ahmad Tahir and Amina Muhammed in Zaxo, Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. Ms. Tahir early life was marked by trauma and hardship. Read more>>

Nicki Loizzi

My parents raised my younger brother and I right; they both gave us so much love & affection, always supported our dreams and aspirations, and taught us how to respect ourselves and others. Read more>>

G R X Y

I think the main thing my parents did right was definitely raise me with an ambitious mindset. Growing up when I did started out producing and even to this day trying to perfect my craft they’ve always reminded me if this is something I really want then I need to make it happen and go get it. Read more>>

Dr. Mahalian Boykin

Wow, great question! And difficult! Because I feel there were several things my parents did right that impacted who I am in life and my career. Read more>>

Marta D’Ocon

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the decisions my parents made throughout my and my sisters’ lives. Read more>>