“Geez, I feel like I’m still a kid myself. I want to teach my child, but I’ve got to figure out work, school, babysitting, bills, relationships and everything else. Besides, what do I know about teaching a little kid? Can’t it wait until he goes to school?”

OK—so you’re young. That means you probably have a lot of energy and can still remember what it feels like to be a little kid. Those are very good things! Take a little time to learn to be a great parent. Then just be yourself! And PLEASE, don’t wait till school to start teaching!

When you walk along the street, show your child a ladybug or an anthill. Talk to her about what bugs eat and where they live. Ask her not to step on bugs if she can help it. Tell her that bugs are an important part of our world.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly your son will pick up the clothes and toys on his bedroom floor—especially if you offer to race him!

Did you like board games when you were a child? Maybe you still have an old version of Twister or Candyland. Next time friends come over play include your child in just one game of an old favorite. It’ll be surprising if your child wants to play the whole game with you—little ones don’t often want to play very long at first. But if you play often, she’ll get it, and you’ll give her some warm family memories.

Think back to the song “10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” Remember? One fell off and bumped his head. Teach it to your son. Show him a picture of a monkey. Tell him how a monkey sounds. Be monkeys together. Often.