Our community is comprised of entrepreneurs and artists and creatives – folks who have chosen incredibly difficult professional paths that often don’t offer any safety nets or guarantees. Nonetheless, we regularly hear that being a parent is a far greater challenge and so we asked some of these folks to open up to us about the things they’ve done as parents that they feel will have a meaningful and positive impact on their child.

Valerie Brown | Mom & Theme Park Content Creator

The most important thing I’ve done for my toddler daughter is to give her mindful attention. By that I mean attention without distractions. It’s so easy, especially working in the realm of social media, to get caught up consistently being on an electronic device. By giving her as much time as possible without distractions, I show her how much I value her as a human being, how relationships in the real world should look like, and how to model different behaviors I want her to emulate – compassion, kindness, and empathy. Read more>>

Portia Tolliver | Candle Maker & Claims Adjuster

The most important thing I have done as a parent would have to be teaching my son it is ok to express how he feels in a healthy manner. I believe it is important to show our children how to understand and process their emotions because it will allow them to be kinder to themselves and others. I personally have parents who lacked the ability to connect emotionally, so I grew up without the ability to process my own emotions. I want my son to be able to understand that it is fine for him to feel all kinds of things without feeling embarrassed or guilty for feeling anything. Read more>>

Rebecca Masters | Bakery Owner & Mom of 4

I am a parent to 2 amazing special needs children & 2 amazing bonus children. To say life is hectic is an understatement. I think the most important thing I’ve shown my children is that when you put your mind, heart & soul into something you’re truly passionate about, your dreams will come true. I’ve also shown them the importance of hard work & dedication & to chase your dreams – even if it sometimes means sacrificing sleep. Read more>>