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.

Deborah Tuff | Reporter & Caterer

Allowing them to see me vulnerable. Showing them that it’s okay to show emotion when things are going great, good or not-so-great. In my opinion that is true legacy. Because it’ll show them how to be empathetic to others, show sympathy and role with the punches. Read more>>

Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown | Chief Activator of Purpose / Director of Romance (Hotelier)

I strongly believe that the most impactful thing that I have done as a parent is that I demonstrate that I believe in my children and that I empower them to explore and pursue what they desire without influence or bias from me. I believe they are confident of the support that I give and the independence that I encourage them as they make decisions for school as well as for any other activities to include participation in volunteerism, entrepreneurship or skills or hobbies. M. Read more>>

Kelby Walker | Photographer & Film Director

My retirement from the Air Force, art, and my photography business are all important things that I believe will have a positive impact on the lives of my kids. Completing 20 years in the Air Force before starting my photography business has shown them that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Also, when I was young, no one told me that I could be an artist and do what I love for a living. I have a son and a daughter who are both artist who hopefully now know that they can do something in that field when they grow up if they choose. Of course love is the most important thing that I think we give as parents. The beauty of running my own photography business is that I’m able to create my own schedule and make sure that I’m available to my kids each day. They truly motivate me to be better. Everything I do, I do for them. Read more>>

Jenise Belay | Insurance Broker & Momager

I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent that has impacted my children is teaching them not to settle. To know your worth, to work hard so you can be a master at what you do. For many years I worked in corporate America and I felt devalued and underpaid. Because of these experiences I’ve worker teach my children how to get there owe and build their own empire. Their father and I strive every day to set an example for what that should look like. Read more>>

ANTONIA LAWRENCE | Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader/Coach

I am the mother of 6 amazing adult children. The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to be a channel of God’s love to my children and to show them how important it is to Love God and love others. I tried to demonstrate this through my words and deeds that God’s love is the strongest foundation to build our lives on and the only way to find our purpose in life. Read more>>

Donya Brown | Innovator of Red Shoe Cakes

My kids (10, 18, 24) are my Why. They are the reason I keep pushing owning my own business. I need them to see that they don’t have to spend their time and energy making something for someone else; they can make it for themselves! I continually encourage them to be independent and reach for more!. Read more>>

Brittany Scott | Mother, Entrepreneur, Social Activist and Clinical Research Professional

I am the mother to a four-year old little girl who is a fiercely made powerhouse truly made in God’s perfect image. I think this is the champion reigning question for all parent’s; the whole idea that there even is “one” principle or idea you would really want to ensure you leave your child with because you know the significance and/or impact it may have on their life. I got so crippled with trying to decide on “one” thing; when the true landmark of my due diligence as a parent will be the opportunities I create for my child/children. Opportunity, I will acclaim, is the most important thing I can do or give to my child/children. Together my daughter and I run an organization called The Millennial Mom’s Digest and through community awareness on various topics, that is what MMD is trying to create for Mothers, their children and future generations to come; opportunity. “At the root of opportunity is change. Change can birth a world full of opportunities.”- Brittany Scott. Read more>>