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.

Deirdra Tomasso

I was raised primarily by my father who had an extremely strong work ethic. Coming from a family of Italian Immigrants, he got this work ethic from his father who had an Italian Market in New York, where my father and my two uncles had to work growing up. In addition to having a strong work ethic, he always stressed to me that whether I succeeded or failed, in anything, all that mattered was that I did my very best and I didn’t give up. Read more>>

D.L. Jennings

One of the earliest memories I have is my mom reading us “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis, part of the Chronicles of Narnia. For the life of me I couldn’t tell you why that one stands out more than the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, but it always has. I think it has to do with the magical escapism that came with it, and the intrigue of the characters. Read more>>

Bella Manoim

One of the things my parents did right was always being honest with me. They never tried to sugarcoat reality or tell me I could do anything without considering the practical side of things. When I was in college studying computer science, I had many moments where I wanted to drop out or change my major. At one point, I even dreamed of living on a farm and making soap. However, my parents kept me grounded- they were very realistic with me about the financial and career implications of my choices. They didn’t discourage my passions, but they helped me see the bigger picture. I’m grateful to my parents for guiding me to make choices that gave me both security and the freedom to create on my own terms. Read more>>

Angel Stull-James

My parents did everything right. No, they are not perfect; I know that, but in my eyes, they are perfect, and they raised me just right. I knew, and still know, love, kindness, compassion, and support. Growing up, and to this day, I know that I am loved no matter which path I take, and I have their full support even if they may not understand my decision. I know that they are there for me and are willing to help me learn and figure it out. This has impacted my life in more ways than one; it has impacted how I raise my children with the same love and compassion and support. It has impacted my career by giving me the strength to step out of my comfort zone, learn something new and take on a new career path. I am able to take risks and new adventures, knowing full well that I have the support of my parents behind me and them cheering me on. Read more>>

Summer Moran

I was six years old when my parents separated and nine when their divorce was finalized. They worked (often side-by-side until the split) as professional speakers, lecturing at companies on a variety of topics from leadership to customer service to the power of positive thinking, influenced by people like Eckhart Tolle, Tony Robbins, and the like. In 2001, they even co-authored an unpublished self-help book, “The Feel-Good Philosopher.” Read more>>

Leslie Pimentel

My parents did right by raising me exactly the way that they did. They brought me up with a patient but firm hand, pushed me to be independent, kind, confident, loving, and so much more. With the way that they raised me, each and every piece of that puzzle fits me to complete all aspects in my life. Whether it’s at my full time job as a Private Behavioral Therapist, having to instill proper behaviors while understanding a child’s needs: given their circumstances. Becoming a Plus-size/Curve model in an industry that pushes standards that differs from me and other people entirely. Moving out on my own at 20 and finding my way out of the pits of financial irresponsibility. Read more>>

Melissa Fulgieri

I appreciate this question for a number of reasons. As a family therapist, it’s easy to focus on how our parents harmed us, both consciously and unconsciously. Mitch Albom writes:

“All parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repair.” Read more>>

Anna Tripp

So much. My dad is an outdoorsy adventurous guy from middle Tennessee and my mom, Raquel Tamayo Tripp, is a talented fine artist from Ecuador, a vibrant South American country. My early childhood, primarily based in Jacksonville, FL, was filled with both of my parents sharing their love for their hobbies and passions. We’d go camping, spend hours at the beach, hike volcanoes, rock climb, sketch, paint, make crafts out of items we’d recycle (my abuela is big into making art out of recycled items!), and so much more. Essentially, my love for nature and conservation came from my dad showing us the wonders of the outdoors and my love for art came from my mom encouraging my siblings and me to be creative at such an early age. Read more>>

Kristal Uribe-Cifuentes

From what I’ve gathered over the years about who my parents were in their youth, I know the impetus to pursue their professional careers was always a financial one. They were both raised by single mothers amid a lot of hardship in Colombia. Their goals in life were to provide for their mothers, to relocate them to safer neighborhoods, to help them retire at a reasonable age. My father became an attorney, and my mother wanted to become an environmental engineer, until she had me. Despite being jaded by financial stresses most of their lives, they never told me what I ought to be or do. All that was ever asked of me was to figure out a way to be happy, to live a life I felt proud of, to never depend on anyone but myself and to never forget where I came from. I could and should be whatever I wanted. Read more>>

Catherine Stein

As a parent, it’s hard not to worry about the impact you have on your children. None of us are perfect, and we’re never going to get everything right. But one key thing my own parents did was to instill a love of learning and imagination. Books were big in our house. My father was an attorney and my mother a preschool teacher, and reading was just something they did. We had so many kids’ books my mother cataloged them: our own mini library. My parents would read to us and encourage us to read on our own as well. And our book choices weren’t censored. Listening to audiobooks was as good as reading off paper. I stockpiled the popular Babysitter’s Club books alongside award winners and classics. We had and read every genre. Read more>>

Lily Buonocore

Although my parents share some similarities, they also couldn’t be more different. My dad is Type A—hardworking, dedicated, and a great leader—working in the hospitality industry for 30+ years. My mom, on the other hand, is a free-spirited animal-lover who has always forged her own path and done things her own way. Both thoughtful of others and both very smart. I feel fortunate to be a blend of the two—inheriting things like my work ethic and sense of humor from my dad, and my resilience and empathy from my mom. Read more>>

Douglas Spradlin

What did my parents do right? My parents taught me to work hard and be kind to others. My parents taught me to take every job no matter what is was and do your best. My parents taught me hard work and good morals. Read more>>