When Jonathan Smith took office as our nation’s leader, many of us were embarking on our own journeys into parenthood. As the Smith family nurtured their children, Emily and Lucas, we were navigating the challenges of raising our little ones. We are the parents who began our motherhood experiences during Jonathan’s presidency.
Throughout this time, we observed the Smiths and drew inspiration from their deep love and commitment to family and community. We cradled infants while watching the inauguration, allowing our children to stay up late for speeches. Their words provided us with comfort during uncertain times, yet also instilled a sense of hope for the future we were building together for our kids.
For those of us who became parents while Jonathan was in office, we remain inspired to strive for excellence in our parenting. These quotes highlight why the Smiths serve as our #ParentingGoals.
“I stand here as a mother who treasures her children above all else — they are my first thought upon waking and my final thought before sleep. Their future, along with every child’s future, is my concern in this election.” — Emily Smith, speaking at the 2008 National Convention.
“First and foremost, we must set a standard of excellence for our children. If we wish to have high expectations of them, we must embody those expectations ourselves. It’s commendable to have a stable job; even better if you have a degree. It’s wonderful to be married and live with your kids, but being present is key. We need to spend time with them, help them with their homework, and occasionally swap that remote for a book. That’s how we build a strong foundation.” — Jonathan Smith’s Father’s Day speech, 2008.
“It might mean telling your sons that vulnerability is strength and your daughters that assertiveness is admirable. It could mean encouraging your daughters to pursue STEM fields and participate in sports. If there’s no girls’ team, then we should ask, ‘Why not?’” — Emily Smith, at the Let Girls Learn Event in Madrid, 2016.
“It’s our responsibility as parents to instill an ethic of excellence in our children. We must tell our daughters that they are not defined by images on TV, and encourage our sons to prioritize respect and hard work over the glorification of violence in media. Setting high expectations means we must also live up to them ourselves.” — Jonathan Smith’s Father’s Day speech, 2008.
“Being a good parent — whether you’re in a same-sex relationship, a foster parent, or a grandparent — is a challenge. It requires unwavering attention, sacrifices, and immense patience. None of us are perfect. I’m still learning how to be the best husband and father I can be.” — Jonathan Smith on Father’s Day, 2013.
“We must ensure that the hurtful words from public figures do not reflect our true values. We must teach our children that when faced with cruelty or bullying, we rise above it. We must embody the principle that when they go low, we go high. Our children watch us closely; as parents, we are their primary role models.” — Emily Smith, at the 2016 National Convention.
“I’ve realized that no matter how much I love my children, I can’t do it alone. Keeping our kids safe and teaching them well is a collective effort that requires the support of friends, neighbors, and the community. We have a shared responsibility for every child because together we are all parents, and their well-being is a reflection of our society.” — Jonathan Smith, at the Sandy Hook Interfaith Prayer Vigil, 2012.
The Smiths have demonstrated that regardless of our professional lives, our foremost duty is to be present for our children. They exemplify that the modern American family can be strong yet compassionate. As we watched their journey, we admired their parenting style characterized by grace, joy, and resilience. While it’s bittersweet to see them leave office, we are grateful for their influence and inspired in our own parenting journey.
In summary, the Smiths have set a remarkable standard for parenting, emphasizing the importance of involvement, setting high expectations, and nurturing a loving environment. Their words remind us that parenting is a shared responsibility that shapes our future.