We asked some fantastic parents from in and around the city to tell us about the most important thing they have done as parents.

Leon Washington Jr. | Government/Actor

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of impact on my child was to allow my son to see me finish what I start. From being a young parent at Louisiana State University and still graduating and earning my degree to now being in my career and still pursuing other endeavors I try to lead by example so that he sees that you can’t just talk about doing something, you have to focus, set goals, sacrifice and have the discipline and determination to make it happen even when others may doubt you and think you can’t achieve your dream. Your dream is just that YOURS! I read that if you believe in yourself, good things do start happening! Those are just a few of the things I try to instill in my son. Read more>>

Yolanda Gantz | Non Profit Financial Specialist

As a parent, the influence on my children is profound and multifaceted. Children learn by observing their parents, so my behaviors, attitudes, and values served as a model for how they perceive and interact with the world. Providing a secure and loving environment where they felt valued, understood, and supported emotionally was crucial for their overall well-being and development. This includes both formal education and informal learning experiences. I ensured there were clear and consistent boundaries, along with appropriate discipline. This helped my children develop self-control, responsibility, and respect for others. Having an open and effective line of communication taught my children how to build trust and be emotionally comfortable to have difficult discussions to foster better relationships. Offering praise, encouragement, and positive reinforcement boosted their self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to succeed. Parents are responsible for teaching their children essential life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, time management, and interpersonal skills, so overall, the impact of parents on their children is profound and enduring, shaping their development and influencing their future trajectories in significant ways. The most important thing of all, is I made memorable events and trips with my children and ensured we always had fun and showed love to one another. Read more>>

Tia Adams | Author & Teacher

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is teach my children how to be themselves, trust their voice, and pursue their passions. I am the mother of three (two adult children and a toddler). My son is a college graduate, living his life as a creative and entrepreneur. My daughter is a creative, pursuing her passions as a student in college. When my kids were adolescents, my husband and I taught them that their job should be doing what they love. We nurtured their interests and reminded them that they were capable of achieving greatness. They watched my husband and me create multiple projects and businesses without feeling stuck or obligated to systems that didn’t serve us anymore. Moreover, they learned that God is in everything and everyone, including themselves; therefore, anything is possible. Read more>>