We've all had those moments in our lives when we feel the beginning stages of baby fever. Maybe it was a really cute baby who smiled at you in line at the coffee shop, maybe it was the kids you babysat and watched grow up in front of your very eyes, or maybe it was a baby cousin or niece or nephew that made you think, if even for a brief second, "Oh my gosh, I can't wait to have my own little human to love and to hold!"
Although the world is ugly and it is intimidating to just live in it, let alone bring in another person into it, there is the excitement of raising a child to be a positive light in this dreary world. I look forward most to having a son and teaching him how to treat women in a society where it seems chivalry has died and people give up too easy on relationships. From everything to appreciating your culture to relationships, these are the twelve things I can't wait to teach my son:
Family is first.
Coming from an Italian family, family is always No. 1. They'll always be there for you and it is important to prioritize them and appreciate them because at the end of the day, they're the ones right there with you, for better or for worse.
Know and appreciate your heritage and where you come from.
Family and culture go hand in hand. Understanding and appreciating your heritage and culture is understanding a part of yourself.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
This is simple, but very important. Always think you before you say or do something, would you want that done to you in return?
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it all.
Another simple, but important rule. Words have the potential to hurt someone, but also, no one likes to be around others who constantly complain or who are judgmental.
Never, ever ghost someone.
In any relationship, it is of the utmost important to communicate how you're feeling, even though it might hurt the other person. Ignoring someone's existence or not saying goodbye is never acceptable and falls under how you would like to be treated.
When you're present, be all there.
We live in an age of technology. Almost everyone is attached to their phones and distract themselves all day for countless hours with them. There are few things more important than living in the moment and enjoying other people's company.
Pay attention to the little things.
Always be observant and aware of what is going on around you and especially with the people you care about. Remembering someone's birthday or how they take their coffee shows how much you value and care for someone.
Never fear being vulnerable or emotional.
Being vulnerable is part of being human. Society gives a hard time to boys who cry or express their emotions but it is nothing to be ashamed of, instead it should be celebrated.
ALWAYS stand up for what you believe in and what you think is right.
Having a belief and fighting for is staying true to yourself and your values.
Everything happens for a reason.
There's going to be a lot of bumps in the road and many things will seem unfair but just know that there is a lesson to be learnt.
Make the best out of every situation.
Always look at the good and try to ignore the bad.
