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.

Sonia Nahabedian | Teacher & Charcuterie Stylist

Parenthood is a delicate role with many intricate parts. The decisions we make surely impact our children. My two boys John , 21 and Peter 17, know the importance of having a growth mindset. Perseverance and failure play a vital role in achieving success. As a parent, I try to set an example for my boys by not just talking the talk, but setting intentions for myself and working towards achieving them. The decision I made to start Sap N Honey Charcuterie Boards began as what I would call a passion project; yet it organically grew into a living and breathing part of our family’s life. In fact, I did not know the direction it would take in terms of success. The process of starting a business with creativity taking the front seat is extremely vulnerable. Read more>>

Lina Gonzalez | Balloon Designer

The biggest risk I took as a parent was to leave my full time job to dedicate my time to my daughters, and going full time with my balloon business. I felt consumed by working full time, being a mom and wife full time and balloon decor on weekends. After months of brainstorming I decided to go for it. I decided to leave my full time job that I had been at for years to follow my dreams. I want to teach my daughters that they are capable of doing anything they set their mind to and for them to remember that mommy was present and wasn’t afraid to go for it!! Read more>>

Beatriz Chanes | Latina Business Owner, Mother & Hero

The most important thing that I have taught my children is what the word “familia” means. For us, familia isn’t just the people with whom you share a house but the people who are present for all the important moments in life. The ones who pick us up when we are down, who cheer us on to keep going and celebrate our triumphs with us. From school performances to high school graduation and everything in between, we made the time to be there and be present for each other. As a parent, I made my children a priority, if something is important to them, then it is important to me. Like many parents, I have a pretty full schedule. I work full-time, attend college and run a business. I am able to do all that because my kids are there for me as much as I am for them. Although three of my four children are grown and off in college, we continue to make time to be there for each other with regular phone calls and family meals that include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends. Familia is more than just a word, it is a lifestyle. Read more>>

Nicole Slater | Branding, Empowerment + Family Photographer

I love this question! I hope that I’ve passed on an entrepreneurial growth mindset. I want my children to know that they can be in charge of their lives…that they can create the life of their wildest dreams. It has been important to show them that growth can be challenging. Often we fall down and mess up, but the most important part is to learn from our mistakes, get back up and keep moving forward. Read more>>