When you become a parent, you take on a responsibility to shape and guide a completely blank canvas of a human. I don’t think it’s possible to narrow down all of the thing you would want to teach your kids, but there are a few things that I know I’m going to try and make sure I get through to our little boy.

1. Keep people close

One of the most important things in life is family (and friends who you class as family). Keeping people close and looking out for each other is the key to happiness.

2. Forgiveness

I’ve done some really stupid things in my time (sorry mum and dad), but regardless of the scale of destruction, my parents have always forgiven me. Such an important trait for any parent to pass on.

3. Pride

Being proud is something every parent can relate to. Even the tiniest things make it bubble up in you. I believe strongly in voicing your pride and I want to make sure my son is confident in showing it.

4. Life is tough

Living in a cotton wool wrapped life isn’t going to prepare kids for the real world. One thing that put me in good stead was the realisation that life isn’t always fair.

5. Dedication

Giving up is an option, but only if you’ve tried your very best. Sounds cliched, but it’s an important lesson to learn.

6. Make time for the things you love

Because all work and no play makes life very, very dull. There’s always time for a bit of chill.

7. Respect

I have a history of being cheeky and a bit of a weapon, but I have always been taught to be respectful. I’d like to pass that onto the boy.

8. Smile

It’s got me to where I am in life. Having a smile on your face can make someone else’s day – an important lesson for me.

9. Tough vs nasty

Nobody wants to be walked over, but equally, nobody likes a bully. Getting the balance right can take years – it’s something each individual has to figure out, but it’s something I’m not looking forward to guiding my boy through.

10. Equality

Something that is truly important for any parent to pass to their children is the idea of equality in society. I’m not talking capitalism and socialism, I mean in terms of prejudice. Gender, race and religion issues stem from generations before.

Let’s be realistic, there are a million things I’m going to have to teach my son and I’m sure I’m going to be mostly unsuccessful, but I just hope he is a good person and I have no doubt that I can help him with that.