As parents, mentors, or role models, we all hope to pass down wisdom that will guide the next generation. Whether it’s the importance of kindness, the value of hard work, or the strength to stand up for what’s right, the lessons we teach our children shape the adults they become. Some lessons come from our own experiences—maybe from mistakes we’ve made or wisdom our parents shared with us. Some of mine are, Let go and let God. Ask and you shall receive. You won’t know until you try. Others are learned in the moment, as we navigate life’s challenges alongside our children. What is the most important lesson you’ve taught your children? How did you teach it, and what impact has it had on their lives? Let’s talk about it…
Herb Rockman: “To keep your word and fulfill your responsibilities. Also don’t drink all the milk.”
Chris Castillo: “To have faith, never give up and to be kind to others. He’s a great young man, a little lazy, but a big heart. Plus we always serve our community and we teach him the same.”
Sandra Luna Perez: “They are so many, but most of all to always have faith. To work hard and to always respect your elders. Don’t do anything that you wouldn’t like done to your children. God can give you things and life can take it away. Enjoy life because it’s short.”
Rob Gonzales: “I have taught them that the world is unfair and that you have to maneuver within systems while making change. The lesson they have taught me is that parenting one kid looks way different than parenting another. Overall, it reminded me that every relationship should be unique and genuine for that specific person.”
Gary Zeinert: “TPW – Tough People Win.”
Phillip Alexander Alfaro: “Money doesn’t grow on trees…”
Ron Travieso: “To be great fathers and be present for your children.”
Benjamin Godina: “Do it right the first time.”
Michael Baisden: “The most valuable lesson I taught my daughter was to judge a man by his character. Pay attention to how he treats service people like waiters, valets, bartenders, maids, and anyone who is less fortunate than him. I also taught her to be a minimalist, be open to change, and to always maintain her freedom. So far she’s followed those lessons.”
Pamela Wimbley: “The most valuable lessons I taught my son was (1) Be a leader, not a follower. (2) Have respect for all women. If you get a young lady pregnant and she has to drop out of high school, so will you.The baby will be as much your responsibility as it is hers, and you must figure out how you will support your child. You don’t get a pass and go on with life as usual. (3) Own your mistakes, correct them, and move forward. (4) Ask questions and ask again until you get a thorough understanding of whatever it is you don’t quite understand– especially with regard to job assignments or projects.
I raised my son as a single parent, well into my 30’s when he was born and tried to be the example for him. When he finished college, as did his wife whom he dated from high school, they married in their late 20’s and had their first child in their 30’s and their second 3 years later. Children need to know and feel loved, given guidance and support, and above all be clear on expectations.”
Barbara Jackson: “When my son started going out, it scared me to death. I burned into his brain to know when to leave by watching your surroundings.”
Pearlie Holloway Young: “Always be independent. Never depend on anyone to do for you what you can do for yourself. Most definitely have your own money. If any of my daughters ever get into a situation where they won’t have to worry about someone telling them this is my money.”
Chely Norona: “To be amazing in every way. They saw their single mother work hard to provide for them. I always told them to be beautiful inside because outside beauty will fade. To be their best selves with everyone they meet. They make me so proud they are such outstanding humans.”
Ramon Chapa Jr.: “Put God First! In all you do! It’s also being passed down to my granddaughters!”
Pat Garnett: “To be able to take care of yourself financially, so you won’t have to depend on, and or ask anyone for help!!”
Jennifer Satchell: “I taught my 3 children to have respect for others and practice good manners and take responsibility for their actions.Do the best of your ability in school.
Whatever profession they have in life makes the best of it.”
Grant Juliet: “Teaching the skills and not wealth.”
Beverly L. Rhodes: “Manners, Manners. GOD & Prayers. Mom, Dad & grandparents will be top of the chain. Treat people respectfully and decently. But, don’t, do not be disrespected with negative words, usually those individuals are high on the ignorant chart & looking to destroy. Violence is not the way, however, there will be times when you have to confront, defend. And, these present days everybody & their grandma are heavily strapped. When my son was younger, I used to tell him, if you feel uncomfortable, seek a police officer. As he grew, I re-arranged & changed that discussion. THANK GOD, he’s grown safely into manhood. He would be embarrassed for me saying this, BUT, I brought him up in a BOX. His Dad laughed & was like “DAMN”, WOMAN.”
Robin Waldron: “Be independent, learn from your mistakes, and not everybody that smiles in your face is your friend. And when it comes to a man, pay close attention to how he treats his mother and others. Love yourself before you allow yourself to love anyone else.”
Tywana Riddick: “The world is a very cold place and within this world you have all types of people, some good, some bad, you stay true to yourself and always look out for your siblings. Family over everything to be mindful, help your elders, stay respectful and mind your manners.”
Amy Phillips-Quarles: “If you do things right the first time you don’t have to redo them.”
Renika NL: “At this day and age, I told mine to hold on to your birth certificate and ss card. Now they see what I was saying.”
Phyliss Morris-Taylor: “To be able to take care of yourself. And to always act like a lady and to dress nice.”
Linda Maia Hadi-Williams: “When a person shows you who they are, believe them.”
April Zarks: “The most valuable lesson I taught my sons was to be the best man, father and husband you can be. The way you love your mother you should love the woman in your life. To never abandon your children when things don’t work out with the mother.”
Beverly Brown: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. #2. Smiling faces sometimes tell lies. #3 Actions speak louder than words. #4 Honesty is the best policy. #5 stop looking for love in all the wrong places. There’s a difference in love and lust!”
Lynette Todd: “To care for their hygiene as well as keeping their residence clean. To be independent and not rely on other people for anything. To pay attention to their surroundings and people around them and their behavior.”
Anita Marie Fomby: “Honestly, to be good people and be selfish at the same time. In doing this among others, they are all grown and doing extremely well and no children because they know they aren’t ready and they are in their upper 20s and early 30s, thriving. I also did it with help. I couldn’t do it without my village.”
Sunshine Wellness Innov8tive Nutrition: “Prayer before anything.”
Yvonne Jones: “Pay attention, don’t give up on your dreams and be your authentic self. Treat the way you want to be treated. Love yourself.”
