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.

Miguel Somoza | Producer

As a parent, my goals have always been rooted in making sure that my kids are healthy and happy, and to raise them to be the best human beings they can be. I want them to find a combination of personal success combined with a life lived with the highest values. And so my goal is to show them that personal success is about more than accumulating degrees and wealth – it’s about doing what you love, and doing something with purpose. Read more>>

Ashley Zuppas | Owner of The House of Gather

As a parent I think one of the most important things I have done that has made an impact on my little guys life is leading by example in my home. A part of my daily practice includes living a life of gratitude and generosity, teaching him that Love is unconditional and when I mess up, even while parenting him, asking for forgiveness and apologizing. Read more>>

Cindy Aparbal | Lifesyle Mom Blogger

There is no denying that we all want to be the best parents to our children in order for them to be successful adults. But how do we as parents successfully parent these tiny humans so that we are making an impact on their lives? This was a question that I had asked myself numerous times before becoming a mother. Once I became a mother I knew that it was a decision I could not make alone. Since I would not be parenting these babies on my own. Read more>>

Nancy Zepeda | CEO

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to give my son a foundation to base his life on. All children need to be taught moral standards, commitment, character, integrity, and self-discipline. In addition, children need to see that hard work pays off and never to quit the things they love. Children might not demonstrate these qualities right away, but they will be evident in later years. Read more>>

Keisha Gaines | Custom Cake Artist

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of impacting my children is to be constantly working to be a good example to them. I have two beautiful daughters and I want them to grow up seeing mommy strive to do the things Jesus wants us to do. Which is spreading the gospel, love God and others, help our neighbors, show humility, and forgive others. My relationship with Jesus shapes my life in a lot of ways including my children and my business. Read more>>

Lynn Doyal | Mixed Media Artist

There are three things; fostering a spiritual belief, having a loving marriage, and financial discipline. Having a personal spiritual life is essential because my children saw me praying, seeking God, and having accountability in being their parent. Since I was accountable to God it helped me see when I had unrealistic expectations of them, or when I became angry over inconsequential things. Read more>>

Ilene Kaskel, Psy.D. | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

It is difficult to choose just one thing, as I believe parents have a greater impact on children’s development than many may realize. What does come to mind, however, is my attempt to allow my child the space to experience her feelings, to validate these experiences, and to teach her that, sometimes, it is ok to not be ok. This is not an easy feat and I am in no way perfect in my efforts, although I try. Read more>>

Nicole Bandhu | Travel Agent, Beauty advisor

As a single parent, raising 3 kids one Autistic, the most important thing that I have done as a parent in term of leaving a great impact on my children, is to never ever lie to them, I always tell them as it is, I have never sugar coated anything or let them think its all fun and games, no! Im not a strict parent because my dad was not Strict with me but, he always told me I can do anything and being from a family of Entrepreneurs it was really instilled in me. Read more>>

Diana Perez | Visual Artist & Social Media Manager

I believe the most important things has been set an example for them to follow their dreams. Before kids, I was motivated but once I became a mother the drive to succeed grew. I want my kids to follow their dreams, what better way than by showing them how mom follows hers. I always talk to them about following thwir heart, work for what they want to do and always have confidence in themselves. Read more>>

Deanna Hedigan | Auditing Firm Owner

In business, most times a particular strategy or plan will yield projected results that can be tested and proven time and again. With our children, it is a whole different story. Something you do for one child, does not always work for another and a strategy that works today, may be totally ineffective the next time you try it! That is way I always say parenting, although super rewarding, is hard, much harder than running my own business, training employees or dealing with large multi-million companies. Read more>>

Carlos Thomas | Chef

Being a single Father I think the most important thing I’ve done to impact my children is to keep going. I am a Chef in many forms I say that because as I learn and grow in my craft I am learning that many people don’t recognize that at all. The culinary industry is so vast that you could land almost any where including making a lane of your own. Read more>>