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.

Silvita Thervil | Online Boutique Owner

One of the most important thing I’ve done was starting my business. It’s not easy. They see mommy working hard. Loosing sleep some nights just to keep her business going. The sacrifices I’ve made. They see how determined mommy is, and reluctant. Silently I’m teaching them that life isn’t always easy. Nothing you want in life comes easy, but with hard work, and dedication it’ll all work out. Being a business owner is challenging. Some days I feel like walking away from it all….but my love for it wouldn’t allow me to. To sum this all up I hope, and pray my determination, and drive rubs off on them. My kids are a product of who I am….A hard worker. Read more>>

Marianna Blyumin-Karasik | Dermatologist, Co-Founder of Precision Skin Institute

As a parent, I feel very grateful for my three bright, interesting, and unique children. They teach me life lessons everyday and I strongly believe they make me a better person. And as every professional parent, I often struggle with work-life balance. I’m passionate about my profession as a dermatologist, practice co-founder (Precision Skin Institute), and a cosmetics line creator (@staminacosmetics). I love my family and they are always my ultimate priority. Yet, my tenacious drive and determination lead me to achieve significant leaps. Sometimes these accomplishments may be at the crossroads with my life’s fulfillments’ such as good times with the family and friends, mindful self-care, and educational endeavors.. Read more>>

Sergio Gonzalez | Pilot/Biologist and Photographer

As a father of two young daughters (6 and 2 years old), the most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on them has been to aggressively demand time from the external forces of my life to devote to them. As any parent, you experience a shift in your values when your kids are born, and I think for me, that shift was really strong and then intensified after we had a second child. I’m a pretty busy guy with several different cakes in the oven at once, but having children has really made me re-evaluate my career choices and what I think a fulfilling life means. We’ve always been involved in making sure we engage the girls in active learning from very young, and also get them out into the world to experience things from a very young age. Read more>>