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.

Tim Chang

They had me get a job as soon as I was able. It taught me responsibility, ethics, teamwork, and gave me a sense of purpose. As an early teenage, these were all needed for me to grow into the adult I would become. Read More>>

Justin F

I lost my father to suicide when I was 3, so my mother had to raise my and brother and me all on her own. As I got older, I was able to understand the sacrifices she had to make to raise us. She was incredibly independent and fearless by default. Read More>>

Gabrielle Brown

One of the greatest things my parents did right was instilling God in me from the very beginning. Faith wasn’t just something we practiced on Sundays; it was the foundation of our home and the lens through which we viewed life. They also made me believe that I could do absolutely anything I set my mind to. Read More>>

Selam Woldemichael

I was blessed with amazing parents who each played a big part in shaping who I am today. My dad was a well-known businessman who taught us early on the importance of expressing ourselves, working hard, and carrying ourselves with respect and discipline. Read More>>

Nikki I

I worked behind the curtains metaphorically for most of my youth, and adolescence. Watching merely as an observer of how others live their lives, though too afraid to take chances on my own. My parents had noticed early on that I would ask complex questions of life, and how we would all work together as one. Read More>>

Juan Velilla

I was blessed to grow up with parents who were deeply involved in our lives. From as early as I can remember, we shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner together as a family, creating a strong sense of connection and love. Read More>>

Stephanie & Lucca Pombo

Our parents raised us in the heart of the restaurant industry, which taught us the value of hard work, resilience, and customer care from day one. They showed us that excellence isn’t just about great food—it’s about showing up consistently, handling pressure with grace, and treating every customer like a welcomed guest in our home. Working alongside them, we developed an extraordinary work ethic. Read More>>

Camryn Connolly

My parents supported my creative interests from a young age. I was constantly drawing, building things, or finding ways to make something out of nothing. Instead of discouraging that, they encouraged it. Read More>>

Shawna Sullivan

My parents never lived life alone and that has had the greatest impact on me as a woman, a wife, a mom and a writer. As an entrepreneur, my dad’s business endeavors caused a turbulent childhood with many moves. Yet, one thing remained the same. They consistently focused on forming community and serving the community wherever we lived. Read More>>

Nicole Cutts

My parents did so many things right, but above all, they gave my siblings and me the gift of knowing we were deeply loved. That sense of security and care provided the foundation for everything that followed. They also prioritized education and made sure we understood its value—not just as a path to achievement, but as a key to freedom and security later in life. Read More>>

Sara King

My parents are reliable, loving, hardworking, and joyful. My parents encouraged my siblings and I to challenge ourselves and normalized the challenges we experienced. Read More>>

Jason Sherwood

My mother was a seamstress and artist who found opportunities for creativity everywhere. Every day, we’d draw or paint together at the kitchen table. Not special projects. Just practice. When I became obsessed with superheroes, she didn’t buy me costumes. She taught me to design and create my own masks and capes. Read More>>

Jeremy Deckelbaum

My dad taught me to be honest, be kind, and always make people feel comfortable. It is hard to explain how it directly lead to business, but over time it is my secret weapon. People work with me because I make them feel like I am really on their team, there for them in many ways, always kind, always comfortable. I can elaborate more. Read More>>

Shay Webb

I was raised by a single mother, Tia Dobson, who instilled in me the importance of faith, independence, and perseverance. Even before I was born, she had already demonstrated remarkable resilience. She was a radio broadcaster but chose to obtain her BS in Business Administration when I was a newborn, often waking up with me in one arm and a textbook in the other. Read More>>

Rae Bates

Both my mother and father exemplified hard work, instilling in me the determination and skills that have shaped my life. My father would often take my sisters and me to work with him, and despite facing significant mental health challenges, he never wavered in his dedication. Read More>>

Staci Childs

My parents did a lot of things right. The first thing they did was teach me about God. They instilled the Word of God in me and the love of God in me. I can point to so many moments in my life, especially navigating adulthood and politics, where I could think of nothing that could bring me out but the love of God. Read More>>

Megan Vanderslice

 

My parents taught me to work hard until I achieve my goals. They were the most encouraging and wonderful examples of hard work. They supported me and my wild dreams all through my childhood and now into my adulthood. They taught me to believe in myself. They taught me that anything is possible if you work hard enough. Forever grateful for my parents. Read More>>