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.

JB | John Belanger | Explorer/ Overlander/ freelance Hiker

Setting the example, treating others the way you want to be treated. Encouraging all 4 of my son’s to be outdoorsman and to appreciate nature, and respect nature. Read more>>

Sheri Nishimura, OTR/L, LMT, CPT | Owner of Myo·dō: Movement & Massage Studio

For me, the answer is faith walkin’…that’s what I think—that’s what I hope—will have the greatest impact on my children. Living out the lessons I try to teach them: 1. Hold onto your faith. 2. Always try. 3. Work hard. 4. Be compassionate. 5. Show grace. 6. Don’t get lost in other’s thoughts about you. 7. Dream and set goals. 8. Fall, get back up and dust yourself off. 9. Be humble. 10. Do it afraid. Read more>>

Jessica Slade | Realtor: Arizona and Alabama, Mom of Three

I have a daughter who just turned twelve last week, a daughter who is about to turn twenty in one month, and my oldest daughter is twenty four. I guess you could say I’m an “experienced” mom now, since I’ve got two and a half decades under my belt. It’s just difficult to decide what’s the MOST important thing I’ve done to have an impact as a parent, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to three. Read more>>

Chinasa Okafor | Health and Wellness Enthusiast/Coach

This is very interesting question. 5 years ago, my first child was 6 years old and my second child was 3years old at the time and we were living in Nigeria where we had access to affordable care givers. i will leave home for work ( i worked in the bank at this time) as early as 6am and will not return till 8pm. and during the month end pressure, i will leave office at 12 midnight only to leave home early again for work. Read more>>

Mechelle Tucker | Entrepreneur, Consultant & Candle Maker

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent to impact my children is show them faith without works is dead, to feel empathy for others, succeed as best they can in their lives and to not just learn from your mistakes but to grow from your mistakes. Read more>>

Paulina Maciuszek-Zajda | cross-country skiing trainer and mom

The time we have together. We get to know the world together. This time given to children is priceless. Time to be together. Read more>>

Danielle Nichole | Small business owner & Entrepreneur

The most important thing I have done as a parent that has impacted my children is breaking generational curses and generational trauma. I speak love into my children. My children are growing and learning things that I’ve never learned at a young age. I have broken all generational curses that have been brought on me and I told myself that I would never repeat the same trauma that was brought on me, onto my children. They get to grow up in a loving household. They are loved for who they are and not what they can provide. Just seeing them smile and looking up to me every day brings me joy & warms my heart. Read more>>

Shonta’ Eastern | Owner & CEO

Being a positive role model. Showing him that he can be anything he wants to be and do anything that he puts his mind too, the skies the limit. Having a child can be difficult yet rewarding. How you raise a child will not determine their future but listening and being their support system will determine the outcome. Read more>>