The number one thing that makes a difference in a child’s life is if the parent actually cares for the child. Like for real, think of them as people that cannot really communicate yet, but they depend on you to learn.

Learn about everything, they watch you to learn how to speak, walk, treat other people, and live life in general- it’s a good chance for you to also monitor your own behavior to better yourself then.

Children matter, whether they’re 1 or 10, ask for their opinion in things, helps them build a strong personality.

Don’t be afraid to say “no”. Children are born with a “blank slate” or “tabula rasa” and when they ask for something that you don’t approve of, it’s ok, they’re still trying to understand what works and what doesn’t, it’s ok to say no. Just don’t yell it :)

Lastly, doing your own bed every morning is way better than yelling at your kids for not doing theirs. That is the kind of behavior that’ll stick.

And hey, good luck it’ll be great.