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.

Danielle Shoots | Founder and CEO

I have two beautiful children and I am often in awe of both of them. They are confident, independent, kind and compassionate. They are aware of the world around them and both of them want to make it better. If there is anything about my parenting style that contributed to this, I would say it is my ability to meet my kids where they are. I have never needed them to be like me. I love their individuality, their unique strengths and I do my best to encourage them always to be themselves and to never apologize for it. I think parents are often too focused on their children being a reflection of them and/or like them. Let your children be a reflection of themselves with all their differences. Read more>>

Dejerae Trujillo | Real Estate Agent

I think the most impactful thing I’ve done in terms of parenting is provide a safe space in which we consistently have an open line of communication. Not every child’s needs are the same and I make it very clear to my son that if there is a need of his that is not being met we can discuss that or if I’m doing something he feels is incorrect we are able to discuss it in a non-offensive conversation. Read more>>

Jennifer Barr | Cupcake lady

As a single mom, I wanted to make sure my daughter knew the value of respect and hard work. I felt like it was important to make sure she always understood that no matter what – who you talk to, what is said, and how you feel – you should respect everyone and their differences. And that you can even learn from those differences. It wasn’t always easy; she (we) went through some crazy pre-teen and teen years together. Many doors were shut in anger (by her) and I gave her space needed to settle down before trying to talk to her and educate her on why some things were not proper. I also supported my daughter, and I always will, to pursue her dream. As part of that process, I would hear her say to me that I needed to pursue mine. Read more>>