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.

Jennifer Couvertier- Lee | Veteran Homeschool Consultant and Filmmaker

I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent to impact my children is giving them a space to develop outside of traditional, societal norms and education practices. So many people where I come from (The Bronx) never have the opportunity or ability to leave their neighborhoods in effort to be exposed to or experience anything but the poverty and oppression that’s housed them for generations. Homeschooling has allowed me and my children to live life on our own terms, travel when we can and want to, meet folks from all walks of life and learn first hand about all the wonders this Earth has to offer us. It’s given me the opportunity to slow time and intentionally instill the morals, values and character traits I believe are necessary to raise a happy, healthy adult. It’s the best choice I’ve made since becoming a mother. Read more>>

Sharon Riche | Author and Banker

As a parent of three extraordinary adult children the most important values I instilled in them were to love without judgment and always be forgiving. My dad’s mantra he taught us was “Your siblings are the longest relationship of your life. Longer than your parents, children and spouses. Cherish them and be there for one another” My mom taught me by example to never hold a grudge and always accept an apology with graciousness and sincere forgiveness. It warms my heart that my children are the best of friends and are loyal, loving and devoted to each other. Read more>>