21 Things Every Parent Should Teach Their Child

1) To live active life

The future of mankind may look like the blobs in Wall-E, but your kids don't have to.

2) To express their feelings.

Your kids ability to say "I love you," or to calmly express their unhappiness, will be key to their having healthy relationships in the f

3) The importance of always using sunscreen.

Skin cancer is no joke, but people who regularly use sunscreen will be more likely to avoid it, not to mention look younger than their years

4) How to drive safely.

Kids learn their future driving habits by watching you, so put away your phone and cut out the road rage.

5) To care for their teeth.

Kids with good dental hygiene will save lots of money on dental bills down the road.

6) To avoid unnecessary drama.

Everyone knows that one person who makes a big freaking deal out of everything. Don't let your kid be that person.

7) To be civic minded

Teach your kids to rock the vote.

8)To love to read.

Instill a lifelong love affair with the written word.

9) How to unplug from time to time.

Our kids have no idea what life was like before everyone had a smart phone and Facebook account, but you do. Show them.

10) To accept disappointment and move on.

No parent likes to see their kid suffer a disappointment, but you don't want yours to lose weeks (or even months) wallowing every time one happens.

11) How to cook.

Your kids don't need to be pint-sized Wolfgang Pucks, but knowing basic skills in the kitchen will serve them well once they're on their own.

12) Secret family recipes.

Show your kids how to make grandma's famous dishes, and they'll more than likely be making them long after you're gone.

13) internet safety.

It's a good idea to teach your kids they should turn down that friend request from CreepyGuy19.

14) To care for the earth.

It'll be their home long after you're gone.

15) The value of hard work.

It doesn't matter if it's in school or anywhere else. Working hard pays a lot more dividends than sitting on your butt.

16) To do things even when they are afraid.

You want your kids to figure out how important this is long before you did.

17) What it was like when you were a kid.

Telling stories from your childhood is not only a great way to bond with your kids, but it helps them to understand their place in the world.

18) To be themselves.

You want your kids to know they should never let societal expectations change who they are.

19) To stand up for themselves.

Being pushed around is no way to live a life.

20) To understand that others have it worse then they do.

It'll help your kids keep their struggles in perspective.

21) To love themselves

If you can teach your kids to see themselves as you see them, you'll have done one heck of a job.