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.
Michael Mantell, Ph.D.
They were ultimately supportive, encouraging and caring. They taught me how to think rationally, kindly and respectfully towards others and myself. Read More>>
Julian Combong
My parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in the early 90s. As I’m approaching my 30s as a second generation immigrant, both my parents have told me stories about their experiences when they were around my age. Risks they took, how to persevere in the face of adversity and to just be a good human being and be yourself. Read More>>
Christi Bowling
My parents are truly awesome and wonderful people. When I was a kid, I was always told I could do whatever I wanted and to always strive to be the best in whatever I chose to pursue. I always felt so loved and cared for and they were always my biggest cheerleaders. Read More>>
Patrick Beatty
The person who had the biggest impact on me was my dad, Don Glover. He wasn’t my biological father, but he was the man who raised me. One of the biggest lessons he taught me was the importance of showing up. Whether it was for family, work, or people who needed help, he believed that being present mattered. You didn’t have to be perfect. Read More>>
Patrick Barnitt
I was blessed to have parents who were very supportive of my artistic pursuits. My mom was amazing and possessed a joie de vivre. She always encouraged me to go out there and give it my best shot. Go light up the room, she used to say. She was my biggest fan. I think of her right before every show. Read More>>
Victora Calhoun
My parents did a lot of things right, but what stands out the most is that they always gave me the space to be fully myself. I grew up in a household where you might expect things to be very rigid; My dad was a Marine, and my mom is the definition of a Southern belle. Read More>>
Esther Clervaud
One of the greatest things my parents did right was introduce me to Jesus and make faith a natural part of our home. As a pastor’s child, I did not just hear about prayer at church; I watched it lived out in front of me. I saw my parents pray, seek God, serve others, and trust Him through every season. Read More>>
Meir Cioraru
The deepest impact came from watching my parents build a life together. They were immigrants who met here, started a family, opened a flower shop in Miami while I was still a toddler, and turned it into a community institution, from Lincoln Road farmer’s markets to a location where people walk into the cooler and choose their own flowers. They knew everyone. They gave generously. Read More>>
David Tilstra
My parents always encouraged me and my brothers to be creative. Read More>>
Heather Feliciano
Hi everyone, when I think back over my life and the lives of my parents I can’t help but to respect them and be grateful for my two Puerto Rican parents for everything they have given us and sacrificed for our family. Read More>>
Antonia Campanella, Nate Cotterman Campanella, & Cotterman
My parents always worked for themselves as my parents. My father had a home improvement business and then my mother opened a mortgage company. I always saw them working together, navigating business & family. It wasn’t that they made it “look easy” but they showed me how you can build your own life that suits you and your family. The husband and the wife were equals- having the same significance in the work place and they still dedicated time to being present at home, home cooked meals, meals as a family. Read More>>
Brittany Hancock
My mom gave me one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child: confidence in who they can become. She always treated my interests like they mattered, and when I fell in love with baking, she supported it completely. She gave me the freedom to experiment, fail, learn, and improve on my own while always being there encouraging me. Read More>>
Laura Gorman
I’m so grateful to my parents for so many reasons. I think the most powerful things that they instilled was of course work ethic, but along with that they always emphasized the importance of knowing the value that comes from embracing grit and grace. They were also always very real with me. That failures are a part of everyone’s journey. That success and respect are earned, not given. And there will always be someone that has a quality you may not have, but that’s irrelevant. From an early age, I was truly taught that no one is me, and that’s my superpower and gift. It had been invaluable beyond what I can express. Read More>>
Bryan J. Mangam
From an early start my parents were so gracious to set me up with a college fund, which they contributed to each year so that once I graduated high school, I didn’t personally have to pay a penny out of pocket. Being free from the burden of student loans looming over my head has allowed me to pursue my creative passions with ultimate independence as an adult. That freedom is priceless & I can’t thank them enough! Read More>>
Taylor Lanore
This is something I think about a lot lately! My parents did many things right, but there is one thing in particular that I keep coming back to as the through-line for basically every major decision I’ve made as an adult. Growing up, my mom encouraged me to play sports. Not just one though, nearly all of them. I started as a figure skater, which became a serious competitive endeavor that took me out of school to compete for 13 years. Read More>>