We asked some fantastic parents from in and around the city to tell us about the most important thing they have done as parents.

Dawn Carlson | Jewelry Artist/practicing gratitude

I think how I have chosen to handle difficulties in my life and how I treat others has had the biggest impact on my children. I’ve had significant health challenges along the way. I lost over 90% of my hearing years ago when my children were young. Initially I was angry and focused on my loss. I was able to shift my focus by taking time each day to write down what I was thankful for. Some days were easier than others to see what was good in my life. One particularly hard day, I wrote that I was thankful for dirty dishes. Dirty dishes meant I had food to eat. Read more>>

Ismat Shahid | Artist and Illustrator

I am a mother of two children . My son is a college sophomore and my daughter is in second grade. The most important thing that I have been able to do for them , in my view , is to instill kindness and empathy in their spirit. As I see both of them function in the world , going around with their lives , helping other people without a second thought, I feel a sense of satisfaction and immense joy. Just like when I saw my daughter shielding a classmate under her tiny umbrella on a rainy day or leaving a group of friends to join another who was sitting alone at a table at her birthday party. Read more>>

Susan Suen | Entrepreneur and business owner

I believe that the most important thing that I have done as a parent in terms of the impact on my children is be passionate and pursuit your dream to the fullest by working hard and not trying the short cuts. Success is not a guarantee but by trying your best, you will always learn something new and beneficial. Even if you failed, don’t be discouraged as you will learn and use that as a lesson to help you in the future. Have the passion, putting in your best effort, and persevere is what I want to Inspire my children the most. Read more>>