Recently, I've been reading a parenting book and man, I think I enjoy the idea of being a father even more now. Tell you what, I want to be the coolest dad ever. Yas, dream on, I know. But you probably realized by now how idealistic I am in my thinking. I mean that's just me, I'll be realistic when the child is born thank you very much.

So this special list will serve as a reminder for me when I step into that nurturing role eventually. Since I am not like those who can think of everything on the spot, I will keep updating this list, well until that grand opening day I guess. So stay tuned for more.

Well, here goes nothing:

1. Tell them I love them as often as I can.
2. Be their friend, whom they can confide in.
3. Introduce them to anime/manga.
4. Remind them every now and then that I am proud of them no matter what they achieve or not achieve in life.
5. Host weekly family meetings where we'd try to resolve interpersonal conflicts before it boils and festers + bond as a family.
6. Teach them how to express their feelings in a constructive way without feeling ashamed.
7. Tell them how I met their mother + other tales of me growing up so they can get to know me on a deeper level.
8. Learn about the ongoing trends of their generation.
9. One hug a day (or more).
10. Teach them about choices and responsibilities.
11. Be a good role model to them.
12. Introduce them to Christianity and spirituality, but let them choose their own beliefs.
13. Attempt to not show them off to my friends, which could create a performance driven mentality.
14. Teach them Mandarin and some traditional Chinese customs.
15. Encourage them to be creative, whether through arts, music, writing, etc.
16. Expose them to homelessness and poverty issues + offer them an opportunity to gift themselves in that way.
17. Treat them as my equals.
18. Not to be afraid of being vulnerable in front of them + to cry so they'd feel comfortable doing the same in return.
19. Promote autonomy skills.
20. Provide for them so they can pursue their own dreams.
21. Tell them that their grades don't define their intelligence or capabilities.
22. Reinforce the idea of inner beauty over external appearance.

23. Not meddle in siblings conflicts by taking side, instead teach them ownership vs. blame shifting.
24. Practice active listening when they say or do things that hurt my feelings. I mean their retaliation must reflect a deeper hurt.
25. Not embarrass them in front of their friends.

More to come. When the ideas strike and the bulb glows at night.