We asked some of the best parents we know to tell us about the most important thing they’ve done as parents and have shared their wisdom below.

Shannon Montoya | Director of a Spay Neuter Program with a SoCal Based Dog Rescue, Karma Rescue

I am the proud mother of a 17-year-old, graduating high school senior daughter. Like most parents will say, my daughter is the best thing that has happened to me in this lifetime, and I am grateful for the woman she is becoming. So, let’s get to the answer to the question. What do I think is the most important thing I have done for her as far as impacting her life? Easy, I LISTEN to her! Listening is truly the key to any relationship, especially a parent child relationship. A parent and child go through so many different life experiences together that if the parent does not take the time to listen to their child, navigating these changes often become very challenging. Read more>>

Juni Burt | Designer & Educator

I believe the most important thing I’ve done as a parent is love with a purpose by being intentional, vulnerable, and loving without limits through pure authenticity. By doing so I see a freedom in my son, a passion and beauty for life, a spark, a creative nature. It’s the fact he just knows I support him fully, that I’m proud of him, and he can genuinely pursue life freely. Read more>>

Ciara Johnson | Owner of Now All Eyes on you

I love that question! It spoke to me the most because I have twin girls (Brayli and Bri’el) who are now one and a beautiful eight year old daughter (Peyton), who has such an illuminating soul, it’s almost unbelievable at times. Yes, THREE GIRLS. But, in terms of an impact on my gems, I would definitely say focusing in on building a structured yet mentally/emotionally balanced household all while exampling a strong work ethic. My girls mean the world to me so it’s imperative that unconditional love and BALANCE, amongst many other factors, are shown to them. Like on a day to day basis their always fighting for my attention, someone’s sleepy or someone’s hungry, Read more>>