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.

Mathea Webb

Both my parents were Artists so I was taught at a very early age that Art has just as much importance as commerce. My father would constantly ask me “Mathea what have you written lately? How’s your writing? “ Now as a manager, imagine how incredibly exciting it is to have them both. Read more>>

Skye Lewin

I grew up in a very musical household, and my parents really wanted me to appreciate music as much as they did. But instead of forcing me to take lessons, they just made music accessible to me. That worked out really well and I naturally took a strong interest. Read more>>

Franki Love

My parents allowed me to be my “authentic self”. As an adult when I look back I feel extremely grateful that they let me be “me”. They never tried to sway me to be someone else. When I was 17, I expressed to them that I wanted to leave the state of New York to move to California for college. Read more>>

Doc Martin

There are so many wonderful qualities I got from both of my parents. From my mom, I believe that I developed a strong desire to fight for social justice and be an advocate for people. When I was a kid, she exposed me to so many of the wonderful leaders who fought for the rights of the poor, for people of color and ultimately for equality. Read more>>

Jus Lan3

When I was growing up, my mother and father were teachers. They were always kind and stern when it came to raising me and my older siblings, but one thing they always taught us was reaching for the stars. The only ceiling is the one you build for yourself. Read more>>

Amber Steigelfest

I am really lucky in that my parents are also my true best friends who champion my career and successes. They have always taught me to believe in myself. My mom and dad both work in medicine, so I always jokingly say that “they keep people alive, and I give people a reason to live,” but my mom repeats that to me unironically. Read more>>

Britt Lightning

My parents always instilled in me that I could do anything I set my mind to in life. Although they weren’t thrilled I wanted to be a rockstar at the age of 15, they made me aware it was possible. When I started playing bars and clubs by the age of 17, they drove me to all the late night gigs, helped sell the merch and carry the gear. Read more>>

Todd Abrams

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to play on a travel soccer team. While my family didn’t have a lot of financial resources, my parents made sure I never missed a tournament. They worked tirelessly, sacrificing countless hours and personal luxuries to ensure I had every opportunity to pursue my passion for soccer. Read more>>

Rose Basson

My parents have always loved me with eyes and hearts wide open. They see and embrace everything I am, while nudging and challenging me to continue evolving into my highest self. Even in my most dysregulated moments, they choose to interact with me as my best self. Read more>>

Olivia Hensal

Looking back on childhood, I think many people can say there have been defining moments or experiences for them that have shaped them into who they are. Experiences, whether good or bad, that have helped define their core belief system. Read more>>

Caroline Roberts

As I’ve gotten older, it’s become abundantly clear how my parents set me up for success, whether they knew that’s what they were doing or not. Two characteristics stand out the most: generosity and management style. Read more>>

Gabrielle Stratmann

My parents were very purposeful in the way they raised my sister and me. They purchased a small farm and transformed it into a place that inspired our imaginations. They built a small amphitheater where we could put on “shows,” a chicken house that housed 25 laying hens, turned our barn into a dance studio, and planted beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. Read more>>

Drake Toth

My parents deserve a lot of the credit for getting me to where I’m at in life. They supplied me with this well rounded balance of culture, common sense, morals , and encouragement to try new things. Even when I pushed back as most teenagers do, it taught me the lesson of trying. Read more>>

Louis Jacinto

My parents exposed us to the rest of the world. Each night over dinner we would watch the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. We would see what was happening in the rest of the country and in other parts of the world. Read more>>

Timberlynn Platenburg

Growing up, my parents did many things right, and their impact on my life and career has been profound. Although we weren’t wealthy, I had two hardworking, loving parents who made sure my sister and I had the best they could give us. I never wanted for anything. Read more>>

Tyler Laurén Weatherly

One of my favorite phrases my mom used to say constantly throughout my childhood is, “Look beyond looking.” While she meant it literally when we were scrambling to find her keys or the TV remote—I went on to apply this in almost every area of my life, including my professional life. Read more>>

Benedicta Hentsch

My parents did most things right. I think the one thing that has kept me going is the constant belief they have in me. They also trust me to make the right decision, which sometimes was frustrating because I wanted an answer, but I think it has made my own will and beliefs stronger. Read more>>

SHIRLA DE MAGALHAES

I was born in Canada to Brazilian parents who moved back to Brazil when I was 5 years old. I was raised in São Paulo, Brazil, my parents divorced when I was 11 years old, my father was never a very present or involved parent in my life. Read more>>

Saya Moiryasu

My parents created our home as a center of stability and creativity. Over the years, they welcomed many diverse people into our lives, making it a hub for relatives, friends, artists, and the Japanese American community. Read more>>

Leslie Simon

My parents did many things right in encouraging me to follow my dream of being a makeup artist. My dad owned and operated his own painting business back in the day. After the recession hit in 2008, he closed his business and went back to teaching full time, but he never quit creating art. Read more>>

Sarah May

I am an artist and I owe much of that to my parents. Truth be told, I was a lucky kid, I hit the parent lottery for sure. While my parents are not artists by profession, they paved my path in creativity. Even more, my mother and father gave me the gifts of compassion, generosity, learning and adventure. Read more>>