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.

Dina and Jason Fonte | Owner & Stylist

Our son Rocco is in a position where he can watch both of his parents work as a team to run a small business. It is important for us to teach our son that you have to set goals in life and work hard to achieve them. He was just old enough to remember the construction of our salon. He came to the site with us almost daily and watched Mom and Dad assemble furniture, paint, and work with trades to get our business up and running. Rocco saw how we could work together to reach a common goal. I hope we have modeled beyond that how we both do everything we can to make home and work run as smoothly as possible. None of it works without endless support from each other. More than anything we want him to grow up with a solid work ethic, knowing that nobody will hand you success, you need to earn it. Read more>>

Allison Almond | Expert Professional Organizer

I’ve been a realist with my child. When my child was about 9 years old I got so tired of “Mommy, can we buy this toy or get this item?” while standing in line at check out. I had so much on my mind, that I was not looking at the toys or extra items, because they were extra items – not in the budget. So one day, I wrote out my budget of my expenses, and when they are due. Then on a different paper I wrote out a calendar and filled in what bill is due on what days. Then, I showed how about each week a major bill is due and how I fill my work calendar to pay all the bills. Then I showed my then 9 year old my bills and my work calendar. Then I talked about what happens on days that she tells me she needs a school supply or cupcakes for school, how I have to subtract that necessary item from the money made that week, and how much more I have to work to make up for that item, to make sure that week’s bill is paid. Read more>>

Zen Tuan | Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Exposing my 3-year-old daughter to acupuncture & healthy living!! It is so important to teach our children by example. I try my best to include my daughter in my all of my active and holistic life practices. Every morning she wakes up and helps me create a delicious (and healthy) green smoothie. She practices deep breathing and qi gong movements, we exercise & dance, and she will even ask for acupuncture whenever she is not feeling well. I am so excited to be part of her healthy and active lifestyle! Read more>>