Parenting is an incredibly important responsibility and so we wanted to get a conversation going with input from parents in the community.  We asked them: what is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent?  We’ve highlighted some of the responses below.

Meagan Wright | Musician & Creative Community Developer

I love this question! I have been so blessed to raise two beautiful children of my own which are grown and thriving, however, there are many others who call me mom as well. One of the most important things I believe I’ve done as it pertains to impacting my children is to stay true to my convictions and passions. Of course while in the midst of taking risks and sometimes feeling counter cultural, it seemed a mess and I wondered if I was doing more harm than good, but as I have been able to have many table talks with all of my kids. Read more>>

Toni Bowman | Blogger

As a mom of three sons, I believe the most important thing I’ve done as their parent is to provide them with a blueprint for succeeding in life. While I know that I haven’t given them everything required, I truly believe that they have a great opportunity at being successful because of what my husband and I have both taught them. It is my hope that they continue to follow in the steps we have started them on such as our choice in religious beliefs, our morals and values, and the debt-free lifestyle we choose to live. Read more>>

Angelica Frank | Dentist |

I am blessed to be a mother to 3 girls, ages, 12, 10 and 7. That being said, they are still young and have many life experiences to endure. I hope everything I am instilling now will have a huge impact on their lives as they continue to mature. It is hard to write about one impact that I have purposely done as a parent, but there are several that I am doing in hopes that it will make a difference. For one, we try and go to church as often as we can as a family. It is very important that my girls have a foundation and growing relationship with God and the people in the church. Read more>>

Ariana Rodriguez | CEO

The most important thing I have done as a parent in terms of impacting my daughter was to become self employed. The moment I knew the life I wanted to create for her and I meant having to be my own boss was the true turning point in my photography career. I worked hard over the last few years to set us up to where we can take a vacation whenever we want or have weekends where I only get to spend time with her, none of that would be possible with a 9-5 job. Read more>>

Lesli Crow | Boy Mom & Blogger

I’ve always tried to give them what I didn’t have. They deserve somebody consistent, open with them about life, and somebody who teaches them about the chaos in the world without keeping them in the shadows of it. Being a boy mom to three boys I’m doing my best to raise boys to be good men. I keep the lines of communication open with them and have stressed that as their mom I’ll always be here to love and help them in any way I can. I want them to be the best and truest versions of themselves possible. Being a parent is loving them unconditionally and loving them hard. Read more>>

Ash Meredith | Makeup Artist

My kids are still very little (5 & 2) but I think as far as impact- one of the things I can already see having an affect is letting them make decisions for themselves from a very early age. From the time they can say words/point I’ve taken a few opportunities a day to have them make a decision. Whether it’s holding up a few options of a snack at the grocery store & them deciding what goes in the cart, what shirt they wear or even something as simple as what colors they paint with that day. It’s given them confidence in their voice & decision making skills already! Read more>>

Jazmin Brooks | Entrepreneur

I think as a parent, the most important thing I’ve shown my children is the ability to identify my gift & capitalize on it. Growing up, it was drilled into us that you go to school, find a job, work until you retire & that was what success looked like. Even on career day, I don’t remember interacting with many entrepreneurs, if any. I think we’re starting to see a shift, where parents encourage multiple options that lead to ‘success’. I still expect my children to go to college (my alma mater, of course). Read more>>