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.

Debbie Onyibe

Growing up, I had an extraordinary relationship with my parents. They showered me with love while allowing me to express myself. They never dimmed my light by trying to force me into a box of what a perfect child should be. Rather, they supported my dreams and visions and allowed me to be who I wanted to be. When I was younger, I recall going through a phase where I was passionate about music. I returned from school to see an electric guitar my father purchased. This showed me how far my parents were willing to support my dreams. Read more>>

Cameron Burris

From a young age my parents, and especially my mom, instilled the importance of service. She used to say things like “service is the rent we pay for being on this Earth”, and that really stuck with me. As humans, we consume SO MUCH! And a lot of the things we regularly consume do not serve ourselves or our community. Having learned the value of service at such a young age gave me a sense of grounded confidence. I learned that not only were the skills and talents I would learn during my life would be valuable, but that they would be needed to build community. The idea of cultivating a community that is committed to service is at the backbone of the work that I do. Read more>>

Panicha McGuire

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and was raised by a single mother. Emigrating to the U.S. was the best decision that she has ever made for us. Her sacrifices and hard work have truly helped me become the person that I am today. We often talk about what our lives would have been like if we were to stay in Thailand. My mother has always prioritized my future before hers as she has wanted a better life for me. For that, I will always be grateful. Read more>>

Jameel Petry

My mother was very influential in my journey of chasing my dreams. I added the “s” on purpose because my dreams often changed. My mom always encouraged, and supported me 100%. I think having such support made this journey easier and of course I’m aiming to make her proud. Read more>>

Sarah Fleshner

My parents have always been incredibly supportive of whatever dream I have. From when I was a little girl and wanted to be an astronaut/ballerina, they had my back, and I knew that. They never miss an opportunity to tell me how proud they are of me, whether I was sweeping the floor or signing a massive deal. When they saw my true passion for music, they put their lives aside to help me pursue it. Even now, they own 362 Entertainment with me and are a crucial part of the company’s success. How they live their lives and handle difficult situations will always have the most significant impact on me. Read more>>

Rebecca Woolbright

When I was growing up, in the summer, if I wanted a ride to a friend’s house, my dad would respond he would take me if I weeded anywhere in the yard for an hour. Of course, I thought this was crazy and unfair. Now I see the value in not getting things I want right away. I love putting in a little extra work to get something I really want. Read more>>

Lizzette Mambru

My mother taught me compassion as she holds her head high with pride and respect for everything she stands for. My mom is passionate, expressive and colorful. She did this right and because of this choice she has always made sure to take care of herself mentally and emotionally. Prioritizing these core parts of our being enabled me to be the clinician I am today. Read more>>

Abby Watson

My amazing parents adopted me when I was a baby. I grew up with an idyllic childhood sandwiched between 2 brothers. To quote Carrie Underwood they gave me “everything that I will need to make it through this crazy thing called life”. This past September (2021) just life seemed to be falling into place. I was beginning my 5th year in my dream field– special education, I was starting a new relationship, had several beautiful nieces, and had begun the rebrand of my social media presence from focusing solely on teaching and moved to featuring lifestyle and beauty as well craft projects my Cricut and I undertake.. Read more>>

Dr. Lori Lundin-Fish

My parents are a huge inspiration. My parents, along with my grandparents and siblings, immigrated from Odessa, Ukraine in 1979. Their journey was long and hard; they lived in Italy for quite some time before establishing their life in Queens, New York. I often reflect back on what they must have gone through leaving behind everything they have known to start completely anew-with no home of their own, no knowledge of the culture or language, no support system. Their dream, their determination, and their grit have instilled an important work ethic in me and my sister. Read more>>

Amy Schissel

I was raised on a farm in Canada, with parents who both appreciated, supported, and practiced various art forms. Particularly, I grew up around my mother’s painting studio, attending her openings, and workshops alongside her. She was (and still is) a professional artist, always painting, and nourishing creativity in me and my siblings since we were small. I learned color theory from her as a child, and she taught me more advanced ways of making as I developed in skill. Similarly, my father was very musical… Read more>>

Lyma Dunbar

I was raised by my mother and stepfather, however my bio father was always in the lives of my sister and I from an early age. It caused some antagonism between my mother and stepfather, however to this day, my father is an ever present rock and influence in our lives. As I got older, I often told people that I had two fathers, because I also adored my stepfather, who as he got older, I realized that he presented a tough exterior, but his tenderness and kindness, was his core. I quote my mother multiple times, as she taught us quite a lot through her many words of wisdom, such as “freedom of expression is good for the soul” or the Golden Rule “treat people the way you’d want to be treated.” Read more>>

Laura Cardona

My parents taught me that humble beginnings are valuable beginnings. Both my parents are Colombian immigrants who displayed a work ethic of righteousness and excellence their whole lives. They taught me to set high standards for myself, be diligent and patient in getting to my next goal, and above all to always be truthful, kind, and to stay strong in my faith. I grew up in Connecticut where the winters can be harsh and unforgiving. When we first came to this country my parents did not have the economic means to buy a car nor had either one of them ever driven a car. At 36 with no English my mother found herself in a predominantly white town. Read more>>

Christian Holland-Burroughs

It may be a little easier to focus on the negative, we when think about the way our parents shaped the start of our lives. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized all the RIGHT things my parents did that helped me navigate life, solo. My dad, used to say things like, “You’re the greatest!” “You’re special. You know that, right?!” My dad could make me feel important just by him looking at me with admiration. Because of him pushing me, and telling me that I was the greatest, I was able to see greater of, and for, myself. He could pump my head up from sadness to fierceness–reminding me that there was greatness in me. Read more>>

Mauria Smith

What my parents did right as it relates to my career as a makeup artist is two fold: unrelenting support followed up with guided direction. To keep an interesting and lengthy story brief, my dad sat me down, locked eyes with me and said, “what is it you’d REALLY like to do; go do THAT!” After having a nearly identical conversation with my mom, it was full speed ahead with attending school, obtaining my license in esthetics and ultimately working with some of the most incredible clients as their makeup artist. Read more>>

mathepostman N/A

Man my mom is my biggest critic , she prepared me for this to be honest . When I first started she was blunt honest with me , from her just telling it’s rare to make it as a music producer drove me to the point of just taking the initiative to really take this career path serious not to prove her wrong but to show her ma I can really do this like I actually got a shot . In this industry you have to a thick skin and it is not for the weak trust me but by my mom being tough on me all my life it made transitioning to the local scene to the commercial scene way easier . I thank & love her for that . Read more>>

Megan Burns

Both of my parent had amazing work ethic. This shaped my mind and character from very a young age. I have taken their example and carried it with me through all parts of my work & education. I always strived to do the best and be the best. I won’t have any of my previous employers tell you any different. I was always there, always on time, reliable,dependable, and eager to learn. Read more>>

Jaila Colvin

My parents have impacted my life tremendously. It is a great feeling to have people in your corner rooting for you. They have been there for advice , encouragement , and simply just being there for periods of ups and downs. It is important for parents to support their children and give them the opportunity to find their way. They never forced me to go to school and they never told me that my business would fail. Read more>>

Julia Cole

My parents instilled confidence in my sisters and me from as early as I can remember, and that is the most important piece of the puzzle in my opinion. A vast majority of my childhood was spend involved in athletics, which helped with the confidence and body positivity. All three of us girls are very tall and we found ourselves in an environment where that was praised instead of gawked at. I played soccer and basketball at an extremely young age, then picked up volleyball and track/ cross country when middle school athletics began. Read more>>

Tiffany Harper

Honestly, one of the best things my parents could have done, was make me work while growing up. I was, what I later realized, very lucky to work with my family. Having one of the largest salons in DFW meant a lot people, with a lot of different personalities, not just among the professionals, but their client as well. I had to learn how to interact with people and communicate with them effectively and respectfully, even if I didn’t like them (which there were a few I couldn’t stand), that really helped to teach me how to deescalate difficult situations with angry clients over the years; I can even tell someone off in a very professional way when they ask for those “extras” they seem to think we body workers do so often. Read more>>

Vera Pashkevich

I was born in Belarus, a small Eastern European country just north of Ukraine. My parents were poor (despite having a high degree of education and well-established careers). We lived in a dictatorship that, to this day, doesn’t get enough global press coverage. My parents did everything in their power to get me out, so I could have a better chance of breaking the poverty cycle. The US offered opportunity to do anything, and they imagined me being a doctor or going into finance. But when I first picked up a camera at sixteen, I had this strong sense of “knowing” that I wanted photography to be my life. Growing up, I dealt with a lot of uncertainty. Read more>>

John Gaber

I believe how my parents raised me as an only child set me up for success in the real world. When I was younger my parents gave me a list of chores that I had to do every single day. During the summertime when I was off from school I had eight hours worth of chores to complete every single day. With that being said I was able to do whatever I wanted around the house I could go outside to run around and play or stay inside to play video games etc. I could essentially do whatever I wanted as long as I didn’t have friends over and didn’t leave the property until all my chores were done. Read more>>

Dante Chak

My parents gave me a lot of freedom growing up. Always encouraging me to chase my dreams, learn through my own trial and error, and supported me in dark times. When I told my mother I was going to travel full time as a content creator she was worried I might become a “starving artist”, and for the most part she was correct haha. But she never allowed me to give up on myself and helped me to realize my dreams can become reality through discipline and perseverance. Read more>>

Jihan Abdullah

Growing up, my parents were always supportive. As a young girl, I was very head strong, focused and determined. Any activity, sport or school project I wanted to be a part of, I’d pursue with steadfastness, enthusiasm and confidence, and my parents always made sure I knew of my greatness. I sometimes chuckle at the younger me because I think I was a bit of an overachiever, but I never committed to something I wouldn’t put my full heart into and have fun with. My parents consistently helped me build my self-belief with their encouragement by allowing me to participate in any activities that would help shape my self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience. Rarely did a day go by where I wasn’t reminded of how strong, bright and capable I was. Read more>>

Aaronic Dorsey

My parents did a great job at creating a space for me to be a kid. You are only a child once and so much of your childhood shapes who you become as you continue to get older. Having the childhood I did has allowed me to mature to the understanding of just enjoying things for what they are and appreciating every little moment. Without that freedom and encouragement to be a kid from my parents my life would be very mundane and I probably would’ve never been able to dream how I do now. It also allowed me to develop a perspective to appreciate thing for what they are so that you no have no regrets when it’s time to move on. Read more>>

Gregori Williams

Honestly, my parents did it all right! I know how that may sound but seriously they supported me from the very beginning. They’re the reason my move to Los Angeles was so smooth! Growing up I attended nothing but art schools and when I wanted to switch it up and go to “normal school” my mom’s answer was always “no”. Looking back I appreciate her a ton for not letting me transfer and sticking to the arts. My sister put me into dancing but once I started to take a liking to it she gladly handed over the responsibility to my parents, lol.  Read more>>

Rotimi Osahon

My mother not only taught me about business, but also how to get an education. She did everything in here power to make sure that I ended up on the right path. I got my work ethic from her. She taught me to stay ambitious and to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles. She made me that believe I could do anything. I love her! Read more>>

Jen Handoko

My parents have been married for nearly 40 years. I’m obsessed with studying how that works. They brought 3 kids to America in the 90’s with no solid plan, somehow succeeded, and built a wonderful life together. In my generation most of us have rejected the idea of traditionalism, but for me they’re evidence of how marriage and love can work. I’ve used their marriage as the blueprint of what I want in my own life: marriage and a family. I think the next book that I’ll write- personal essays or maybe a novel, who knows – I want to analyze what it means to want those things in this day and age. Read more>>

Angeline Fontaine

What did my parents do right? Well honestly, everything. I’m always saying that I wouldn’t be the person or artist I am today without them. I grew up in a creative household. Being that my father is a DJ and sound engineer, music was all around me. My mother was also a dancer and she has always been this driving force of positive and innovative energy. She is always doing new projects, planning events, and is an overall inventive person. I am very thankful to have grown up with my loving family. My parents are always supportive of any journey I’ve ever taken. They push me to be my best self all the time and I couldn’t ask for more. They are honest, loving, and always there. Read more>>

Yahir Carbajal

My parents did everything they could to provide for me, they made sure I had everything I needed in life and the rest was up to me to work for. I was lucky enough to have loving parents who let me express myself freely. But i say the biggest thing and the biggest impact they had on me was letting me freely make my own decisions and let me live my life at a young age. I found out who I was and what I wanted to do at such a young age. Read more>>

Candace Foley

The LORD has orchestrated my life in excellence and my parents have been the pivotal foundation that has molded me as a person, woman and praise dance instructor. They introduced me to CHRIST at an early age and I have loved and worshipped HIM ever since. Growing up, whenever I expressed my dreams, my mother would echo, “don’t leave out GOD and what can I do to support?” It was her unselfish love and support that made me feel as if I could conquer the world. My dad would always say, “by GOD’S grace, you can do anything Candace.” Read more>>

Kendrick Nelson

Growing Up in Very strict religious household as a child . A Lot of things I didn’t understand , almost to the point where I felt left out and sheltered from everything. Certain music and television shows was prohibited. The disciplinary From my Father and My Mother , shaped me into the God fearing man I am Today. Turning My failure into Faith. Both My parents were big on faith , No matter what life blows your way , and no matter how hard life gets , Keep the faith and believe that everything is gonna work out for the better. Watching my parents wake up every-day , working extreme long hours and making endless sacrifices To provide to make ends meet. Read more>>

Elena Burley

Growing up, my parents would sign up to chaperone my school field trips and events. My mom worked at my school and was known to be strict and structured. She would show up to my school orientations prepared with a notebook and pen, ready to ask the admins an array of questions. I felt slightly embarrassed because no one else’s parent did that. Read more>>

Adrienne Simes

My parents valued traveling, learning from other cultures and taught me the importance and love of learning from others and World around us. From the time I was a young girl my parents supported and encouraged my artistic talents and interests. I remember when I did my first large scale painting in 3rd grade. My family had taken a trip to Southern Mexico and I remember feeling inspired by all the colorful houses and fruits. Returning to school we were challenged to create a landscape that represented a special place for us. Perfect assignment for me to share what I encountered on our family trip. Read more>>

Chyna Krystelle “YourFavNoLabel”

My parents always looked on the brighter side of things and stayed optimistic. No matter what obstacles they faced, they did it with a smile, grace and faith. They made a number of sacrifices and never gave up. Being a witness to that for my whole life helped a great deal with my life and career path. When I started my business, I thought about who would support me, how would they support me and etc. Read more>>