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.

Amanda Shipley | Pelvic Physical Therapist, Online Course Creator, and Podcast Host

As a mom who is also a pelvic physical therapist, I think it’s extremely important that we teach our children about their bodies in a shame-free way. For over 15 years I have worked with people who experience pelvic pain, painful sex, having accidents with pee or poop, or constipation (just to name a few of the things I treat). I have seen first-hand how it affects people when they don’t know the correct names for their own body parts, don’t know what to expect for their bodily functions, don’t understand what’s normal and not normal, and as a result are not empowered to get the help they need! Read more>>

Latoya Lester | Wedding Planner/Event Designer

The most important thing I have done as a parent is not to only tell my children that they are loved but I have shown them that they are loved. I was a teen mom and wasn’t ready but I didn’t allow anything to stop me from doing what was best for my child. I waited 10 years to have another child because I didn’t want to be a single parent to multiple children knowing how hard is was with one. I haven’t had this 5-star life for my children, in the eyes of the world, but my children definitely make me feel like 5 stars all the time. If my children take nothing else from me but how to LOVE, I am happy with that. Read more>>

Johnny Wolfe | Accountant

As a parent. The most Important thing you can teach is delayed gratification and finishing what you start. . I make sure my kids stick to a daily schedule and are rewarded after following through on multiple tasks. I don’t let them quit. They won’t always get it right but they learn that you have to work for what you want and you won’t be great at it until you put the work in. Read more>>

Zola Mandisa | Barberette

The most important thing I have done as a parent and the impact on them is consistency, perseverance and goal setting. Being a business owner, currently in nursing school and raising children is not easy by far, not only juggling those three tasks. Outside of that trying to have a personal life, pulling you in so many different directions all at once. My daily mantra that keeps me levelheaded is “Never Give Up Preserve”. A mother of three I have always instilled morals, values in my kids which are extremely important. I follow the nine rules of parenting in an article I read once…… Read more>>

Trecia Beaubrun | Event Planner

I believe the most important thing that I’ve done for my children is create more time to be an active/involved parent. Work ;life balance is challenging for sure, but because I chose the path of entrepreneurship I have the capability of creating a schedule that works for my family. Read more>>

Marie Richards | Actress Marie Richards

Wow there are a lot of things however I believe it is important to love others unconditionally and be kind and humble. I have shown my children by my actions that you have to work hard for anything you want in life and to never doubt yourself, Believe in yourself and do not give up on your goals and Pray. Read more>>

Angel Wright | Inspirational Conversationalist & CEO Speak Up Sis®

I am a mother of four, amazing humans I refer to them as my mighty men of valor. The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to model for my children what it looks like to “step outside the box” and to take roads less traveled. I lived out loud in front of my sons and encouraged them to do the same. I allowed them to talk and share their thoughts. I encouraged them to join teams and organizations they were truly interested in versus the more popular ones. I believe that watching me live what I encouraged them to do gave them permission to get out the box while making them feel safe and comfortable in their own skin while doing it. Read more>>