Our Parental Pledge

Kevin had two days off Tuesday and Wednesday so we headed up to Germany to check out the Christmas Markets.  We were in the car for about 8 hours in that 36 hour period.  For us, this is definitely not a big deal, but add in the fact that we have no radio and it can get a little boring (even despite the fact that I'm a BIG talker).  Kevin and I talked a lot about the pregnancy and parenting and I came up with the idea of making a list of things we want to do and do not want to do as parents.  I think it will be interesting to see how many of the things we actually stick to. 

1.  There will be no family bed.  Kevin doesn't even like to share his space in the bed with me.
2.  We will not fight our kids on what they want to wear for the day (unless it is harmful).  If someone wants to dress up like Superman or a princess for the day, then so be it. 
3.  Treats are good for kids, but not the ones that contain food coloring.  I don't have a problem with cookies, ice cream, and cake unless they are covered in Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6, etc.  This is one thing I definitely feel strongly about and Kevin backs me 100%.  For someone who once lived off Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers, I know giving up dye wasn't easy for Kevin (but we have found alternatives).
4.  All pacifiers will be destroyed when our children are 1 years old.  We're hoping our kids don't want them...fingers crossed.
5.  Our kids will learn a foreign language at a young age.  If foreign language isn't offered at their schools, then we'll hire a tutor. 
6.  Our kids will not have the biggest and best things.  A 5 year old doesn't need an iPad and a 10 year old doesn't need the newest gaming console.
7.  The kids will be in sports.  We don't care which ones, but the kids need to be active.   
8.  We are not going to vaccinate.  I started researching vaccinations last year when we started discussing having children.  Since then, I've come across a plethora of valuable information and have shared it all with Kevin.  We've discussed the pros and cons of vaccinating and have decided we do not want to do it.  We know this will be a battle with pediatricians and schools, but we are willing to fight.