Each month in our
Hello, Happy Mama column, Kern County Family features inspiring local parents—mostly moms, and occasionally dads for special observances. We always ask: “If you could share one message with Kern County parents, what would it be?” This year, our participants responded with heartfelt parenting PSAs—some short, some reflective, all meaningful.
This month, we’re proud to showcase their best advice from 2025: a collective snapshot of parenting wisdom from our community.
“Be kind to yourself.” -
Cherese Grell
“Love your children unconditionally.” -
Cindy Huge
“Be content but not complacent: Always strive for the best for you and your family but not at the expense of yourself and your family.” -
Kim Price
“Don’t ever assume you are above another parent. No one has it all figured out. Don’t say ‘My child would never.’ Instead, be present, be available and be a safe space when they fall because children are their own people. Never underestimate the power of a parent who keeps showing up.” -
Nila Hogan
“It takes a village to raise a child.” -
Doc Waller
“Volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, sponsor. If you can’t sponsor, donate. If you can’t donate, educate.” -
Timi Ann Mongold
“Just stop and have fun with your kids. They are only little once. I have never gone to bed and thought ‘We should have had so much fun today’ but I have gone to bed and thought ‘I shouldn’t have been so hard on them today; it wasn’t that big of a deal. Why couldn’t I just have fun with them?’ It’s better to enjoy the moment.” -
Alex Lopez
“When we, as parents, slow down and say ‘yes,’ we teach our children the world is full of possibility. If it is not dangerous or destructive, consider saying yes. More ‘yes’ to creativity, more ‘yes’ to curiosity, more ‘yes’ to connection. You will never regret the ‘yes’ that made them smile, but you might regret the ‘no’ that shut down their spark.” -
Samantha Saldaña-Avendaño
“A good night’s rest solves a lot of problems.” -
Cory Corrales
“You only have what you give away. Teach your children that everyone can help in some capacity.” -
Callie Collins
Do you know a local parent who has a great story and parenting wisdom to share? Email
lj@kerncountyfamily.com to nominate someone for a Hello, Happy Mama feature!
