We asked some of the best parents we know to tell us about the most important thing they’ve done as parents and have shared their wisdom below.

Darshana Patel | Energy Alchemist & Author/Creator of IONATION®

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to be in the habit of asking myself, “How do I know what I know?” This one point of intentional awareness has been a surprising key for me in recognizing and reflecting on intergenerational beliefs and patterns that perpetuate oppression – especially of women. The question, “How do I know what I know?” set in motion a trail of transcendent insights along my journey of self-actualization, empowering me to break out of rigid societal and cultural structures – including a traditional arranged marriage – that confined me at age 19. I believe, as a parent, holding a personal quest to self-actualize liberates not only my innate potential, but serves to blaze a trail for future generations to expand their fields of possibility, disentangled from the vines of yesterday’s limiting beliefs. Read more>>

Jess Belfry | Entrepreneur & Community Advocate

As a parent, I have tried to impress upon my children the importance of compassion and acceptance. Although we might not agree with everything going on around us all the time, I want my kids to understand they need to be mindful of other people’s beliefs and values and just because they are different than our own, that doesn’t make them wrong or right. My kids learn this through travelling. Mark Twain said it best in that “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” This summer, after we were stuck at home for so long, we were all getting a bit restless. So I did what any sane mom would do, I packed up my kids and we went on a 30-day cross country tour. We drove nearly 9,000 miles, visited 20 states and the whole way, we never had a real plan. We just visited states and towns that were open for business. Read more>>

Tameka Anderson | America’s F.U.N. Coach & Behavior Specialist

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is continuing to work on myself daily. When thinking about myself as a parent I always think in terms of a cup. Whatever is in the cup is what I am pouring into my children. So I ask myself daily, what do I want them to receive from me? Kindness? Courage? Self-love? Confidence? And I believe this has made the greatest impact on my children and everyone else around me. Read more>>

Stephanie Grant | Mompreneur

I am a mom to two amazing children! The most important thing I have done as a parent, in terms of the impact on my children, is to treat and respect them as humans and not just “children.” Sometimes I get tired of the “whys” and “how come mom?!” but I always remind myself that they are small humans that will soon be adults and their questions, emotions, and feelings are valid. I answer those questions the best I can and with as little to no frustration as possible. Later, the impact will be vast, because if they can question mom and get a response, they will never be afraid to ask important questions and further research things that affect them. Read more>>

LaKeisha Fleming | Founder & President

I think the most important thing I’ve done for my children is to live according to my convictions as an honest and transparent person, and show them that nothing is impossible. My convictions of loving God and living my life according to the Word of God permeates every part of my being – my marriage, my relationships with my children and family members, my friendships, my business, my work projects, my activities – everything. Principles of integrity, honesty and working in excellence are a part of my character, and I train my children to imbibe that same spirit. As for being honest and transparent, that doesn’t mean I share every detail of my life with my kids. What it does mean is that I answer their questions honestly, on a level they understand. If I make a mistake, I apologize. I’m honest about needing help in certain arenas, and am not ashamed to ask for assistance or speak up for myself. Read more>>

Deanna Anderson | Managing Director, 705 Marketing & Founder

Both of our kids have language-based learning differences. We have taught them to embrace their differences. Carter and Reese understand the power of their brain working differently and that with that comes opportunity. They also know firsthand what it is like to struggle in certain areas and are very empathetic to other people’s unique personal challenges. Read more>>