So many of us parent the way our parents did – because it’s the only example we’ve had a chance to see up close. We think one of the ways to remedy this is to create a space where people can share stories of the things they feel their parents did right, so we can all learn from those examples.

Olivia Beaumont

I lost my mom last year. With that blow, I came to understand how instrumental she had been at shaping me as an artist. I started creating my self-identity around being an artist while very young, and by the tender age of nine, I had a strong belief in my ability to become a great artist. Read more>>

Erika Maria

My mother was pivotal in steering me to stay true to myself and my goals. She set a nurturing environment to go after anything my heart desired and reminded me not to let anything get in the way. This was prominent in setting me up as a strategic thinker so that no matter the issue/block I ‘d find a way. Read more>>

Laura Sevillano

If I had to describe my parents in one word it would be amazing! They inspire me because they made the brave decision to move to a new country and make a life for themselves and their children. They put in a lot of hard work and made a lot of sacrifices in order for me to have the best life possible. They led by example and instilled morals, faith, work ethic, and taking risks in life. However, they held me accountable for my choices and mistakes. Read more>>

Deb Penner

My parents did so many things right! But perhaps the most impactful for me as an entrepreneur and leader was to encourage me to be authentic. I’ve often said I was raised to be immune to peer pressure. My parents always validated my experiences and encouraged me to be fully myself. They taught me to release concerns over what others might say or think about me and my choices. Read more>>

Carol Grant

Our family’s heritage is German – which has it’s pluses and minuses. Growing up, my parents were incredibly hard working (my dad started at least 6 independent businesses, including a Ford Car Dealership and even a restaurant/hotel/convention center.) Read more>>

Paris aLLEN

My parents did a lot of things right that impacted my life and career. For instance, my parents became full time entrepreneurs when I was just 7 or 8 years old. They own a janitorial service – Superior Cleaning Corporation, based in Ypsilanti, MI. Read more>>

Amisha Nair

Growing up in an Indian family, there’s this idea that your parents might set you on a career path of THEIR choice. I was fortunate enough to not only grow up with parents who refuted that idea, but were artists in their own way. My dad is currently the lead singer of a heavy metal band in Dubai and my mom used to be an incredible dancer. Read more>>

Veronica Stich

Nothing. Ha ha. It’s true though. They were pretty screwed up. My mother was abusive and repeatedly told me I had the “Devil” inside me, and my father was a perv. But, he had good taste in music, so I guess that helped. A lot of the music I listened to was discovered on my own-as they were bands influenced by the music of my parents’ time. Read more>>

Lyrical

My mom had a very structured parenting style, we were well taken care of, very balanced with love, discipline, fun, spirituality, etc we were a bit sheltered but it was out of security and safety. She taught me to work hard, not to take material things for more than they’re worth and with that I appreciate life the way I should. Read more>>

Petra Neiger

Resilience. My parents are two of the most resilient people I know. I have the utmost admiration for them and for teaching me how to cultivate resilience under the most uncomfortable circumstances so I could thrive as an adult, thank you. I draw strength from knowing that I’ll land on my feet just fine. That I’ll always figure out a way. Read more>>

J’Quan Robinson

My parents are my biggest supporters. I was always taught to never give up on your dreams. My family is my biggest critics, and I appreciate each and everyone of them. Read more>>

Ileana Arias

In my journey after moving to MA from the Dominican Republic, I have been lucky enough to find so many wonderful people in my path. People that have shape my path and have given me wonderful opportunities. I have built friendships that will last a lifetime and created a support network I can truly rely on. Read more>>

Becca Boston

My parents (and sisters) have always been my biggest advocates throughout my life. My dad has been the anchor of our family as he worked hard to provide for us and helped us create unforgettable memories as a family. He always loved and accepted me for being my tomboy self by cheering me on at all my sporting events and we nicknamed one another “train girl” and “train boy” as I had a love for trains as a child. Read more>>

Sonya LaRae

Wow! I love this questions because I tell everyone, I wish they all could have been raised by my parents. First my parents divorced when I was very young (2 years of age). They always were friends and never had divided standards meaning if I was grounded at home with my mom, and I went to my dad’s I was grounded at his home as well. Read more>>

Meda Merritt

One of the most important things to me is family. Family lays the foundation to who you are as a person, What I feel my parents did right was instilling in me morals, values and self-respect. Its something that even as an adult I appreciate. Having that foundation has helped me to excel in my career. Read more>>

Senor Pequenos

Even though I grew up in the Midwest, where diversity continues to be painfully lacking and underrepresented, my parents were constantly working throughout our childhood to help us explore the world and to see the beauty in all of our uniqueness and differences. Difference wasn’t something to be scared of, but something to embrace. Read more>>

Marcherie Savage

My mom (Evette Savage) thought BIG and outside of the box! She was wise enough to avoid pyramid schemes and other traps and was creative enough to be an entrepreneur for over 20 years. She never pressured me to attend college unless my career of choice required it. She encouraged me to try new things and put my all into my work. Read more>>

Kayla Da Silva

In the third grade we were given an assignment; teach the class how to make something. My Mom sewed and my 9 year old self -being interested in the craft – decided I would make a blanket for the assignment. That’s the first vivid memory I have of crafting. Read more>>

Richie

 

What my parents did right? My father has always instilled in me the importance of independence and knowing that nothing is free in life. Not even a cup of water let him tell it lol and the importance of always being teachable and never being “too educated” to still learn and grow and attain new knowledge. Read more>>

Giovanni Roselli

It’s interesting because as the years have gone on, my appreciation and understanding for what my parents have done for me has continued to grow. They truly have done a lot of things right, and it shines through with a specific compliment I’ve gotten over the years. Read more>>

Jenesys King

Growing up in a single parent household being the oldest of three younger brothers, I often felt like I had to take the role of the second parent. I started looking after my brothers alone at a really early age, and this forced me to grow up fast and try to involve myself in things that weren’t beneficial to me, I believe my mother saw that I needed an outlet early on. Read more>>

TRAVIS WALKER

Out of any trait from my parents that has been conducive to me as an entrepreneur I would definitely say work ethic. They both worked for 35-40 yrs. I’ve seen them go to work sick, rain, sleet, hurricane and the list goes on and on and never complained. I’m more of an observer so they never had to come and say, Read more>>

Chaya Rockford

I grew up in a big family. We’re mostly girls! My parents raised us to be independent and responsible from a young age. There was always an underlying message of “you can figure anything out”. Read more>>

Nikki Holland

My mom was big on “The Golden Rule” of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” My mom is a lot like a mix between Mary Poppins and Yoda, and she always has encouraged me to uplift those around me. It’s not always easy to take the high road. Still, the enduring encouragement led me to a nerdy moment a few years ago wherein I considered the passionately debated topic of equality. Read more>>

Maria Cuevas

My parents and grandmother had a huge impact on my life and musical career. My grandmother started one of the first all-female mariachi bands in the country. When I was 11 years old, my parents decided I would perform in her Mariachi Band. They also decided the instrument I would play – the vihuela – which is a traditional mariachi instrument, much like the guitar. Read more>>

Gina Marie Agderian

One of the best things my parents did for me as a child was reading to me every night and encouraging my love of books. I learned to read by the age of three by memorizing all my favorite books. My mother would read to me and I would correct her if she changed or skipped a word. Read more>>

Kendal Wooten

I am so thankful to have the love and support from my parents. They have always believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. Obviously the modeling world can be harsh, but with the help and encouragement from my parents I’ve learned to love myself just the way I am. Read more>>

Mae Watson

This is a question that many people may not get the opportunity to stop and think about. However, it comes up in conversations often with my friends and clients. My appreciation for the lessons my parents have taught me throughout the years have been instrumental into the woman I am today. Family is something I hold dear to my heart. Read more>>

Doug Stewart

My parents did everything right… literally everything. My father, a Kentucky hillbilly, was on the road at 14 years old, heading North to escape abject poverty and a short life in the coal mines. My mom. Perfect. Not just in the dutiful, maternal, dinner on the table at 5 ways at all. Read more>>