Parenting.

As I said before I really want to be a mom and that is something that I want to make happen in the next 5 years. Dating for me is really straight to the point I need to know if you want kids because if you don't then you definitely don't have a chance with me; I will not try to change anyone's mind about wanting kids. Just because I want to have kids does not mean other people should, but I have met a few nice guys who want to have kids someday but that's not the only thing I look for, I look at the way you carry yourself and take care of people around you. I know some people can fake being caring but I really see right through it. Anyway, this will not be about me trying to find a good man to have a baby with it's about what I would do as a parent.

The world is evolving and things are becoming so accessible, you have AI and the internet that can pretty much teach you anything but I don't want to let the internet or even social media raise my kids that is for sure. If you are a parent feel free to read this, Those are just my opinions and the way of seeing things you may or may not agree with me but please keep an open mind. Let's start at the beginning....

age 0-3

At that age your baby is learning a lot and the way he sees the world will affect him as an adult; The beginning stages are crucial because you will become the role of caregiver for the baby which means your baby relies on you for everything from sleeping, eating and seeing the world for the very first time.

• always pay attention to your baby, never ignore them when they are trying to engage with you or trying to tell you something (you don't want them growing up feeling uncared for) Always pay attention to their needs, if they are crying check to see if they need a diaper change? are they hungry? do they have a tummy ache? are they teething? if they are get toys for them to rub their gums with to relieve the pain. 
• always play with your baby, tell them nighttime stories; and start praying with them. if you are the mom bond with them while breastfeeding, smile at your baby never get angry or yell at them! they will not understand this and do not let them think yelling is a normal response. use words with them don't do that Baby talk like dada gogoo whatever just use words, they are learning even if they cannot talk yet. when they are trying to talk listen to them.
• when it's time for them to walk let them walk don't carry them! if they fall don't immediately run towards them If there is no danger let them get up on their own and start walking again, that will teach them to be brave and to trust themselves. 
• when they are crying talk to them in a soft voice (this will teach them that their feelings are cared for and it is a safe place to express them) Don't tell them to shush and if they are boys don't tell them not to cry and to be a man, they are just babies.
• don't walk around naked in front of your baby because you don't want them to think it is normal to see an adult naked. 

age 4-6

• Listen to them when they talking to you even if the story is long, never tell them to be quiet because that will make them feel neglected. you want your kids to tell you everything so this is the age where you make it okay for them to start so that when they become a teenager it will be a little easier but it will still be hard... i know because I was not an easy teen myself and I barely spoke ( I am trying to avoid that with my kids if I can).
• this is when you have THE TALK yes you need to do it early because those sick perverts out there love little kids, you need to teach your kids what is wrong and what is not normal, to come to talk to you right away if someone tries to touch them or if a grown adult talks to them about sex especially if they are the opposite sex but it really doesn't matter. other adults should not be the ones to talk casually to your kid about sex, you need to talk to them yourself at home with words they will understand with videos and things for little kids to learn from. I am a Jehovah's Witness so our website jw.org has a ton of videos and books on that topic to help your kids understand that people should NOT touch their private parts or ask them anything about it. 
• spend time with them doing something they love is it fishing? swimming? watching cartoons? Also, eat with them at the table, and talk to them about your day Ask them what their plans are, and ask them about their day at school
• feed them nutritious meals, give them a side of veggies daily; make sure they drink milk and know how to brush their teeth the right way.
• teach them how to make a sandwich if they are hungry but don't let them go on the stove until you feel like it's time for them to start learning to cook but this should happen before they are a teenager, start teaching them early and make it fun so that they can take care of themselves if they need to cook. but you should always be the one as the parent to be in charge of the meal prep but they can help.
• Tell them that not all people are good and that there are bad people in the world, talk to them about what some bad people do but be careful with this don't them tell too much start slows and trust me they will have questions on their own... let them learn at their own pace don't force all of your knowledge about the world on them... they will ask a lot of questions and always do your best to answer truthfully. Make them feel okay to ask questions. tell them to always be on their guard, to watch their surrounding, and to never be scared to come talk to you.
• don't raise your voice at them, use your words and tell them exactly what they did wrong and teach them that there are consequences when they do something wrong. When you punish them tell them why they are grounded or why they are not allowed to do something they like when they do something wrong. 
• if you choose to spank them that is something you need to discuss with your spouse, I don't have any advice on that yet or opinions.
• Tell them you love them daily, They might not have a phone ( I won't give my kids a phone until they are 13, that's my opinion now) but hang every phone call with "love you"
• make them feel okay to say I love you and okay to express their love
• hug them and make it okay to display affection when you love someone.

age 7-12

• Continue praying with them, prepare meetings together, and keep doing family study nights Also make it fun so they can look forward to it trust me they are learning a lot from you.
• always keep your word if you promise them something always make sure you do it, If you can't do it then don't promise or tell them that you will.
• teach them as kids they cannot consent to anything with an adult without your permission. 
• Tell them you love them a lot, acknowledge their strength tell them what qualities they have that you admire ( learn about their love language and meet their needs) 
• be there at their soccer game, and every recital, throw parties for them when they graduate. Continue to invite friends over for play time to help them socialize better
• reward them when they do something good! and always aknowldege their hard work and their dedication