For as long as I can remember, I have loved children and I look forward to the day when I can have my own. My parents have taught me many valuable lessons over the years that I hope to pass on to my kids.
1. Be nice all the time, every day, to everyone.
When you're grown up and you look back, you'll feel much more fulfilled knowing that you were always kind.
2. Be nice all the time, every day, to everyone.
I'm saying it again because it's important. Some day you might be 19 years old and watch a Netflix documentary about suicidal schoolchildren who have been bullied their whole lives, and it might give you the feels (I'm speaking from experience). Just be nice.
3. Be inclusive.
Be the person who invites a lonely student to join your lunch table or includes other kids on the playground.
4. Put your best foot forward.
There's nothing to gain by having a bad attitude or consistently looking like a slob.
5. Work hard.
Do your homework every night, and don't slack off in high school. That acceptance letter to your dream college will make it all worth it.
6. Be who you want to be.
Life is too short to stifle yourself.
7. Take initiative.
Be in control of your own life. If you're having trouble in school, talk to your teacher. If you want more responsibility at your internship, speak to your boss.
8. Do the things you love.
I hope that you'll play a sport or join a dance team or whatever it is that you enjoy doing.
9. Listen to your parents because they usually know something that you don't.
At this point in time, I don't really know what I'm talking about. In 15 years, though, I hope that I will have some sort of parental wisdom.
10. Be contagiously happy.
Keep a smile on your face. People are attracted to happy people. Be someone that others enjoy being around.
11. I was (*currently am*) a kid, too.
Any trouble you run into, I've probably already dealt with at some point in my life. Don't be afraid to talk to your parents.
12. Have fun.
Be a kid. Go out and do the (legal) things you want to do. You only get so much time before you'll have actual responsibilities.
13. Be appreciative.
Give credit where credit is due and never forget your pleases and thank-yous.
14. It's okay to have bad days.
Being a kid is hard sometimes.
