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.

Troy Page | Musician

I’m a dad to two beautiful girls – Izze is 5 and Kenzie is 3 – and I think one of the most important things I’ve done for them hopefully is to continue showing up as myself and not letting who I am inside fade with all of the challenges and hardships of life. Writing songs is my therapy. And my girls get to watch me every single day sitting at the piano pouring my heart into writing songs that somehow reflect my own heart back to me in a way that makes me feel whole and complete. Read more>>

Sara Andrews | Curator of Intentional Gifts

As an entrepreneur and mother, I think the most important thing I’ve done is include my children in the business. From the large corporate events to the day to day operational tasks, they see every aspect of owning a business and they love to help with whatever they can. We set goals (from ice cream dates for our first sale to Disneyland after we hit our yearly goal.) We happy dance and high five when orders come in, we sit and discuss what I could have done differently and what I’ve learned when things don’t go as I’d hoped. Read more>>

Holly Griffin | Mom, wife, grandma, hairdresser, health and fitness enthusiast

My husband and I have raised 5 children. They range in age from 17-27. I worked as a hairdresser from home for all of their childhood. I had to figure out how to balance work life and raising kids. It wasn’t always easy. I had some very specific ideas on how I wanted to raise my children. They would always listen to me, they would always do what I asked them to do, right when I asked them to do it, they would never complain, and they would never get in to trouble. Read more>>

Frank Fanella | Attorney & Author

When one becomes a parent, mistakes are inevitable, but the sheer joy and importance of it should always keep us striving forward. I really believe it must start with a strong religious overtone. It must be clear to the entire family that God comes first. You can build everything off of that. Secondly, a parent must establish a strong and reliable presence. As much as is possible, parents need to be involved and present in the daily lives of their children. Children must be allowed to feel as though they are protected and enabled to flourish. Lastly, parents must pay close attention. Read more>>