As a current lifeguard, babysitter, family-style restaurant host, former nursery caregiver and cousin of nine youngins, I have definitely spent more than my share of time around children as a 19-year-old girl. As much as I love kids, and can't wait to have my own one day, I honestly cannot tolerate them sometimes. I regularly find myself baffled by how different the younger generations are from my own. I feel as though children these days are not as independent as they were when I was younger.

Already planning to have kids of my own someday, I have already created a list of things I want them to know. Everyone's opinion and style of raising children is different, but I personally believe that all children should be taught the following as soon as they are able.

1. Be Your Own Lifeguard.
As a lifeguard, I have seen many children struggle with swimming. When talking to parents about their child's restriction from the deep end due to their inability to swim, I ask if they have considered swim lessons. It always concerns me when the answer is, "Maybe, when they're older though." If you think your child is mature enough to swim on their own, and you let them do so, they should know how to swim. I know a few college-aged people who still struggle with swimming, and it makes me hope that they never bring their future children to any body of water until they both learn how to swim properly.

2. Have a Fresh Mouth.
No, not fresh as in acting out, but as in keeping their teeth clean. A decent number of kids I babysit put up a fuss when they're told to brush their teeth. When they're young, help them and make it fun, because in the end, you're the only paying the thousands of dollars to fill rotten holes in their teeth.

3. Learn to Network.
I've encountered many people in my lifetime who are absolutely terrified to speak on the phone. However, as you get older and grow into more of an adult, being able to talk on the phone is absolutely necessary for appointments, meetings, interviews and so much more. As soon as my children are mature enough, I plan on having them answer the phone without fear and talk to others on it whenever they can.

4. Choose Paper and Grass over Glass.
When babysitting, some children watch a television show instead of reading a book. At the restaurant, kids play with their iPads instead of asking for a coloring sheet. At the pool, they're crowded under an umbrella in the shade so they can see their iPod screen instead of playing out in the sun. While technology has made things in life so much easier, and sometimes more fun, it should not replace things such as books, puzzles and the great outdoors. Reading enhances vocabulary, puzzles flip on a different switch in the brain, running around outside keeps bodies healthy, and anyway, don't we want them to understand us when we say that we love the smell of a new book?

5. How to Be the Child.
Too many children I know wear the pants in the family dynamic. They determine the bedtime, what food they eat, if they're going to practice or not and the attitude that is acceptable to converse with. If you're not going to guide your children and take charge by showing them what is right or wrong, then what is your role? Was your intention in having children to have them raise you? Take charge and raise your kids to be polite, active, strong and passionate. You gave them their river, help them build their canoe, and eventually, they'll make their own oars.