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.

Francesc Gascó-lluna

My parents never had the chance to study. Our family comes from a humble working-class lineage. And they started working being very young. So they thought they should give us the opportunity to become what we wanted. They knew that we always could get a regular job, so why not try to get a job we love? Why shouldn’t we study and get experience on a field or discipline that we loved? So they always supported me -and my sisters- about my career choice. They never tried to talk me into choosing to study soemthing of their choice. Read more>>

Sharon Robustelli

My parents have been a huge inspiration in shaping how I live my life and approach my work. From my mother, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic — the idea that an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay. From both of them, I saw firsthand how to create my own “luck.” They were my earliest examples of entrepreneurship. Alongside her day job, my mom made and sold crafts, and bought fashion accessories wholesale to sell to her friends and co-workers. Meanwhile, my dad launched several businesses over his lifetime, ranging from a wholesale lobster supply company to a pioneering biotech venture. Read more>>

Kate Odonnell

My parents had both walked monastic paths before they met, and raised me to be free of any religious dogma. Of course I was always looking for a religion! I was never spoon fed anything about what to believe, or how to live my life. So it’s no surprise I continue to make my own way, and have chosen a profession where I am self-employed and creative. Dad and I used to talk about “the track” that many were on in life. School to job to kids to retirement. He encouraged me to ask the question “what else is there?” and I sure have lived a life of finding out. From Maui to India to everywhere in between I have put my training and experiential learning above all else, and because of this I have specialized knowledge and an embodied sense of the fields I practice and teach. This is priceless and I am so glad I was free to live this way. Read more>>

Stella Aschenbrenner

I am the oldest of six siblings, with four sisters and one brother. From the beginning, my parents knew they wanted a large family and were clear that this would come with significant responsibilities for me. Although I didn’t always appreciate the responsibilities that came my way—like when my mom handed me a screaming, colicky infant at age ten—I now value the experience. Growing up in a big family taught me essential skills in organization and leadership. I learned to line up three little girls to wash, dry, and braid their hair and developed skills in cooking and caring for babies, often managing two in diapers during my adolescence. This experience fostered a unique sense of empathy as I got to know each sibling’s personality and needs. Read more>>

Alynna Weimer

Growing up, my parents instilled two very strong principles in me.. They were a good work ethic and doing all things with integrity. I grew up watching them work hard, at work and at home. Anything worth doing was worth doing well. Being proud of the work you put into everything you did, was the reward. These principles have allowed me to grow in any field I’ve chosen in life. When my brothers and I made choices that weren’t so wise, my dad would ask, “Is this who you want to be?” The emphasis was never on the mistake itself but rather the character we would portray to the world around us. “Is this who you want to be” is a question I still ask myself today. Read more>>

Maddie Baker

My parents did three things that made possible for me to be a successful artist. First, they let me make a mess. They let me use paint in a carpeted bedroom, despite innumerable stains. They let me have x-acto knives and ink and didn’t bug me too much about what my room looked like. Second, they didn’t shower me with praise. They supported my artwork and would give me art supplies for every birthday and Christmas, but when I would show them a piece I was super proud of, they never gave me excessive praise. They also didn’t give much negative feedback either. Read more>>

Antonio De Jesus Rodriguez

This is an interesting question because my parents indirectly placed me on this path. I say so because they never thought it to be a practical profession. Screenwriting is an art, and sometimes it’s something that can’t be taught. Although my parents taught me naught about film, they allowed me to watch all the movies I wanted to watch. Of course, nothing too crazy. But this space they gave me was really what impacted my imagination. From a very early age I was fond of films, and dreamed of one day winning an Oscar. As I got older, my focus became more specific, and I couldn’t be happier. Screenwriting is my passion. Read more>>

Farah Yasmeen Shaikh

I began my training in the art of Kathak when I was 18 years, and a freshman in college. Though I didn’t choose to major in dance (I was instead a Womens Studies major), it became clear very early on in my study of Kathak, that it was going to be a big part of my life. My parents were immigrants from Pakistan, and it was not uncommon for many of my peers of South Asia origin to be pressured by their parents to follow very particular educational paths that would lead to high paying careers. Most often, they were strongly encouraged to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. Read more>>

Kenneth Rountre

My parents instilled in me values that have been the foundation of my life and career. They always emphasized the importance of humility, perseverance, and faith, and those lessons have shaped who I am today. One story that comes to mind is when I was a teenager, struggling with self-doubt and the pressure of what others thought about me. I remember my mom and dad sitting me down and telling me, “It doesn’t matter what others say or think about you. What matters is how you see yourself and how God sees you.” That conversation stayed with me and taught me to focus on my own journey rather than getting caught up in the opinions of others. Read more>>

Charlene Bates

I was raised by a single mother of 5 young kids. My mom worked harder than any human I ever met to keep our childhood home and to support all of us kids. My mom always had multiple jobs as a kid. Watching my mother work so hard for her family showed me how to be a strong, independent, hard working woman.. I believe the struggles my mother went through showed me and my brothers how to have a strong work ethic. Having a good work ethic is crucial to be successful in the world! Read more>>

Allie Cuozzo

My mother has owned a small business in the same location for 24 years! The way she creates community, shares stories & builds a business that thrives because of repeat customers is remarkable! She also does things her own way, has a brain like a calculator, a quick memory, a very strong intuition & has a work ethic that I try to emulate. She very organically came into owning this business (a consignment shop in suburban Massachusetts). In the 90’s, my mom would support Paula, the owner at the time, with folding, washing & organizing the clothes in the shop. Read more>>

Sierra Leitner

I am very lucky that my parents supported and cultivated my creativity from a very young age, and into adulthood. When I was very young, I used to have little freak outs, shaking my little hands around saying “I need to draw! I need to draw!”, so my parents always had a portable drawing station on hand. It was a little clipboard that had a compartment for my paper and colored pencils. By doing this, they showed me that my art IS important, and that I should create whenever inspiration & opportunity strikes. As I got older and started expressing interest in pursuing art in college, I was very lucky that they supported me doing this, too. If not for this support, I would never have went down the path to create the art I am creating today. Read more>>

Krista Swisher

I am the youngest of 4 daughters. At no time did either one of my parents make me feel like there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do just because I was a girl. I always felt like I could do anything I set my mind to do. When I told them about beginning my creative endeavors in addition to my “regular” day job, they were absolutely thrilled. They supported me all the way – including times I began to doubt myself. While I’m not at the stage where I can leave my job to focus exclusively on my art, my situation has improved greatly due to the generosity shown to me and the confidence they instilled in me. Read more>>

Jasmine King

One thing I can say that my mom did right was basically raise me right.& to have a good head on my shoulder. Never having to depend on anyone or a guy & to always be independent & go after what I want to do. Read more>>

Kellygrey Taylor

Growing up, my parents have always been there for me, which has really helped me to branch out. They’ve always been supportive, no matter what. My mom has been a huge fashion influence, pushing me while I push her too. My dad is the brains, always there with guidance and advice when I need it. I’m incredibly thankful for both of them and wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and the way they raised me. Read more>>

Caroline Henry

Early on, I was so afraid that my parents would not be proud of me or the career path that I chose as an actor. They instilled in me the importance of a well rounded education and hard work and these values left me feeling that my love for acting or being creative was just a hobby; that perhaps I should have a backup plan. One summer evening while home visiting family from college, I expressed that I may give acting a go for a bit after school and then, naturally, go to grad school and aim for a more traditional career. This felt “safe” and honestly I really believed that was what my parents wanted for me. Read more>>

Grayson Sebert Antreassian

My mother has made the largest positive impact on me in my life, and most likely will continue to make an impact on me throughout my career and personal endeavors. She instilled in me courage, kindness, compassion, ambition, drive, and determination. With her guidance I know I can get the job done, and do it well, and I know that I’ll always have someone on my side cheering me on through all times, blissful and challenging. She encouraged me to audition for The University of Utah’s Actor Training Program, and helped me put together my audition materials. Gratefully, I was accepted, and I learned so much during my schooling at that institution, all thanks to my mother’s words of encouragement. Read more>>

Roberto Amaral

According to my mother, when I was 2 years old she put a crayon in my hand and encouraged me to draw. She wasn’t a professional artist but had talent when it came to pencil drawing. She was a single mother raising an only child in a lower middle class community. Back then in the early 50’s, and especially in the somewhat impoverished neighborhood where we lived, it was unusual for a child to be encouraged in the arts. Once I was old enough to understand the images I was creating my mother often bought me art materials because she knew I had talent that needed to be nurtured. During my junior high and high school years my teachers took notice of my artistic abilities and always encouraged me to pursue that avenue. Read more>>

Lilita Matison

My immigrant parents came to the US as children in the late 1950’s, after escaping the Soviet Union’s occupation of their parents’ homeland, Latvia. This lived experience greatly impacted our family system. We were always encouraged to learn about other cultures, study foreign languages and travel. To this day, one of the things that I most appreciate about them is their motto of “Go”. Their encouragement to explore and discover the world outside of my neighborhood (and comfort zone) allowed me to become a global citizen, as well as an individual that is passionately curious about other cultures, languages and traditions internationally. Read more>>

Jackie Pool

My parents have always taught me hard work, pays off. They were immigrants 27 years ago, but when they came to this country that’s all they knew, how to work. I’ve seen my mom overcome so many challenges, and she is now a business individual with multiple properties she leases homes for families and is making more than she ever imagined. The fact that they build their outcome starting from nothing but clothes on their back means anyone can do anything, but they have to put in the work and effort. My mom had a dream, a why, and once she got clear on her goals she executed and now she has what she has because of it. This has had a tremendous impact on how I work, and why I do what I do. It’s just not about making money is about making a difference in people’s lives and changing the perspective of the world one person at a time. Read more>>

Daryl Snow

My father had a huge impact on my life. He taught us to always give our best efforts and to never be afraid of trying something new. He would say, “What’s the worst that could happen? Cause they aren’t gonna take you out back and shoot you, so give it your best and see.” And when I was 19, I had an opportunity to take a job that would require me moving far away from my little home town and that made me a little scared. But when I spoke with my father, he said, “Home is just a phone call away. And if you ever really need, just a plane ride back.” From that moment on, I was never afraid to go anywhere, or do anything. That mindset has served me well in everything else I’ve done. Read more>>

John Parsons

Music has always been a part of my life. My father was a guitarist and songwriter which heavily influenced me in my own musical endeavors. My mother always had music playing in the home. I grew up with Fleetwood Mac, REM, Eric Johnson, Tom Petty and everything in between being played around me from a young age. My mother also introduced me to a lot of musicals like The Phantom of the Opera. My older brother introduced me to bands like Def Leppard and Guns N Roses. I think being surrounded by music is a great way to grow up! I am so grateful that my family is full of music lovers! Read more>>

Rachel Ngayan

Growing up was hard for myself, and my only sibling (twin sister). Our mother had some mental health issues which made it difficult for us to be close to her emotionally. My father luckily stepped up to the plate and made sure that both my sister and myself felt valued and appreciated. He never pressured us to do anything we did not want to do, and was always there for us emotionally. He had a great sense of humor and I always admired his go with the flow attitude towards life. I realized from a young age that making someone feel comfortable, or being able to make them laugh really goes a long ways. Read more>>

Karina Gaynutdinova

Growing up in Russia, I was raised in a traditional family with my mother, father, and three sisters. In a society where women had limited opportunities beyond marriage and motherhood, my parents always encouraged us to dream big and reach for the stars. When my parents divorced when I was 13, it was a challenging time for my mom, who suddenly found herself a single mother with four children to care for. Despite the difficulties, my mom never gave up on us. She worked tirelessly to ensure that all of us had access to education and the chance to pursue our dreams. Thanks to her unwavering support and determination, my sisters and I were able to attend university and create our own paths in life. Read more>>

Christian Richardson

My parents have been great at giving me the space and peace of mind to purse my own ambitions. They’ve told me my entire life that no matter what I get into, I can succeed. My father gives me my confidence, and my mother gives me my exuberance. I do not wish to think where I would be today if it were not for everything they sacrificed and did to get me to this place. Read more>>

Gillian St. Clair

My parents, particularly my mother, instilled in me a sense of strength, steadfastness, and resilience that has profoundly shaped my life and career. She was a traveling minister, and through her, I learned the value of teaching, not just preaching. Watching her, I absorbed the importance of sharing knowledge in a way that connects with people deeply, beyond just the surface. This summer we lost my mother, but her spirit and strength live on through the lessons she taught us. Her ability to connect and impact others while maintaining her authenticity taught me that true strength lies in being yourself, regardless of where you are or who you’re with. Read more>>

Carolina Yasukawa

Both of my parents had great work ethic. They taught me the importance of hard work and how it pays off. My dad owned his own company and my mom was in education. My dad gave me the gift of gab and how to wow a client. He has such charisma that I would see everyone in the room laughing with him. My mom taught me about professionalism and how to treat a client. What to put up with and when to take a stand. These attributes helped me in multiple businesses and maintaining a loyal clientele. Read more>>

Frederick Terry

As a recent graduate pursuing my master’s degree, I find myself reflecting on the immense impact my mother has had on my life. Raising seven children, including her own sisters at one point, my mother faced struggles and obstacles that would have broken many. After my father passed away in a tragic car accident when I was young, she became our rock—taking on the role of both mother and father. My stepdad came into our lives when I was still a boy, but even with his support, the weight of raising our family often rested squarely on her shoulders. Read more>>

Shawna Mox

I truly believe that being on stage with a microphone and captivating a crowd is a calling with which my soul entered this world. However if I hadn’t been given a plethora of opportunities as a child, I don’t know how that calling would have been cultivated. Thankfully, my father created countless opportunities for me to take the stage – and often in very unconventional ways. He became obsessed with juggling, and shared this love with my brother and me; for years we would attend weekly juggling club meet ups. The juggling lead to performing said talents and in addition to the normal talent shows and what not, there was a point in time where I was assisting my dad and his juggler friend in teaching school-wide juggle days where we would teach entire schools how to juggle. Read more>>

Daria Stevenson

Often, parents and guardians are an integral part of our lives. My parents were no exception, and they reserved a special place at the very top of the mantle of my heart. They always believed in, encouraged and pushed my sister and I to succeed. Failure, simply put, was not an option. We were expected to go to college, get degrees, have successful careers, and live respectable lives. I always wanted to make them proud. Becoming a business owner was a tremendous achievement on a personal and a professional level. Read more>>

Gregory Blue

My parents gave me the gift of confidence and encouraged me to become an artist. I was made to believe that I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to, nothing was unachievable and only required the right amount of determination. My mother said I began drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Early cartoons of all kinds of characters and animals, cars, trucks, whatever I imagined was amazing to both of them. Long after the refrigerator art phase, I continued to make pictures, illustrate stories, delighted by the praise I received from my family and friends. After twelve years of a public education, my parents sent me to art school with the simple request I major in commercial art in order to make a living. In college, my father was an aspiring actor. My mother wanted to be a fashion designer. Neither of them chose to pursue their dreams. But when the time came for me, they would not have it any other way. Read more>>

Alena Larie

Honestly, can I first say that I absolutely love this question. My parents mean so much to me because I am very close with them, so to see this question warms my heart. I don’t even know where to begin, but at the age of three years old I began to sing, my parents picked up on my gift of singing right away, and by the age of six they had put me in local and school talent shows as well as singing in the church choir. By the age of nine I was singing solos, my main two songs were “He Is Lord” and “God Has a Plan for My Life”. Read more>>

Jessie Wallace

I often answer this question in my head. I always tell myself to write it down whenever another thing they did right pops into my head, but rarely do. Maybe I should start. Either way, I’ll do my best to narrow it down to three of the most important things my parents taught me that I felt was “right”: 1. Every action has has a consequence. 2. Effort matters in the long run. 3. It is okay to change your mind and redirect. 1. Every action has a consequence. If I did poorly on a test growing up, it’s because I didn’t apply myself and study enough. If I woke up late, it’s because I failed to set my alarm. Read more>>

Allison Mcdowell

It may sound silly, but I believe my parents did everything right. I wouldn’t change any of the good, bad or ugly because all of it made me who I am. As the youngest of 8 kids who ended up a family thanks to a “yours, mine and ours” situation, I am also aware that my story is mine and mine alone. But I love my story and am endlessly grateful to my parents. My parents gave me so many lessons that have impacted my life. I’ll highlight some that come to mind first. Thanks to my parents I was a kid who learned that asking questions was a way to show interest, to clarify understanding and express a genuine curiosity. They taught me I should feel empowered enough to ask questions of anybody as long as I was polite and respectful. My Sunday School teachers probably didn’t love this about me, but I think this lesson has given me a genuine interest in lifelong learning and an ability to easily build relationships. Read more>>

Emma Katka

I’ve been making art in one way or another for as long as I can remember. I am grateful and very lucky to have always been supported and encouraged by both of my parents in my creativity and self expression. Whether piecing together a new collage, painting, freehand drawing expressive abstract forms in ink, or shooting photography through country explorations, self-portraits, or conceptual photo shoots with my muses and friends, it’s always been a safe space for me to express myself and channel my emotions through. It’s a practice that calms my busy brain. One of my first profound experiences I can recall learning about the idea of expressing my emotions within art was around the time I had my first experiences with the death of a loved one as a child. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with blank sheets of paper, crayons and markers, and told my mom that I wanted to draw something but I didn’t know what I wanted to draw and asked her for ideas. She responded to me with a shrug and said, “draw what you feel”. I sat perplexed for a moment, really thinking about what she said. I then picked up a black marker and proceeded to color an entire piece of paper black. Read more>>

Molly Meek

I was raised by a single mom who divorced my alcoholic father when I was 7. It was her and I against the world. Until she met my step father, whom at the time I was hesitant to accept but now has been the stable father foundation for both myself, and my daughter as an incredible grandfather to her. However, my childhood was built on the beliefs my mother always instilled in me and has made me the woman I am today. When I describe my mom to others, I always say she is such a new age hippy and raised me on the principles of the law of attraction and the law of assumption from an early age. Most of it never sank in until I was in my mid 20’s but she laid the foundations enough for me to have a really great core belief system that is very optimistic and believe that what you put out into the world, you get back and our thoughts become things so we must choose them wisely. Read more>>