I don’t want kids.

I have never envisioned my life with little ones by my side. Although I can see why people might want children, that lifestyle just hasn’t appealed to me. However, if there was a chance I was to become pregnant, I would do my best to love the heck out of that kid.

I wrote an article earlier directed to girls called To Today’s Teenage Girls (that I would share with my daughter if I had one), but I figure I should address the opposite sex as well, because there is a chance I could have a son or a daughter.

This is what I would want my son to know:

1. The way you treat your mother is a reflection of how you will treat your future spouse

Whether you marry a man or a woman, the way you treat the main caretaker in your life will parallel how you treat your future partner. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. If you cannot show love and respect for the woman who raised you, how do you expect to know how to treat someone who will take care of you long after your mother leaves this earth?

2. Being a good friend is obligatory

Having good friends means growing up with good influences. You attract what you put out there. If you are a good friend to others, the universe will send that same energy back. Plus, it should just be natural for you to treat others well, male or female.

3. Don’t photograph your genitals

There are way too many girls I know who got unwanted d**k pics. Just don’t do it. No one wants to see it and it will most likely end up on the Internet and straying far beyond the eyes you intended it for.

4. No means no

This is such a sad fact that I have to point this out, but I feel like I should. When a man or woman says you are going too far sexually or isn’t down with progressing a relationship further, you accept no as an answer. Too many people in this day and age don’t know where the line is drawn and end up getting in trouble for it or making a fool of themselves. Make sure you know the difference between a solid yes and no.

5. Don’t spend all your time on your gaming console

Don’t be that guy that sits on his butt all day with his hands buried in bags of Doritos playing countless hours of games. First of all, staring at a screen that long is bad for your eyes. Secondly, you’re being entirely unproductive. Thirdly, spend your time doing something better… like going outside and being active… or helping mom with chores around the house J

6. Be the person you look up to

The best men are the ones who are leaders, teachers, caring fathers and friends, and inclusive human beings. You know that CEO you look up to and idolize? Be like that. The earlier you get ahead on your attitude and the way you carry yourself, the more successful you are likely to become.

7. If you sleep with someone, make sure you contact him or her the next day

Even if you simply send him or her an emoji, acknowledge this person. It never feels good to be the one who was “used” and never contacted. This just shows kindness and it isn’t that hard to simply send them a text… it takes three seconds.

8. Be a good boyfriend

Put yourself in your parents’ shoes when thinking about this one. If you had a son or daughter who had a partner that treated them the way you treat your partner, would you be okay with it?

9. Choose your friends wisely

Your friend selection is a reflection of your own personality. If your friends are all jerks, you do not fall far behind. Choose carefully.

10. Keep in contact with your mother, even when you move out of the house

When the kids leave the nest, mom might get lonely. Keep in touch to let the woman who gave you life know you love her and still think about her.

11. Put the toilet seat down after you use the bathroom

Don’t argue. Just do it.

12. Clean and responsible is better than dirty and lazy

People who are looking for serious candidates for jobs, partners, etc. will always seek the guy who looks clean cut and can take responsibility for his actions. No one likes the dirty, smelly and irresponsible guy. So be the former rather than the latter.

There are a lot of other things I am sure any mother reading this can contribute to this list, but I felt these were some of the most important things for men of this generation to realize and abide by.

If I ever have a son, I hope you read this early on and take it to heart from someone who really does care about the person she may bring into this world.