How many parents say 'I want my child to have a better upbringing than I did'? It's often considered to be one of the most basic desires for a new parent. It's understandable, isn't it?

You want your baby to have the best life possible. And for so many, that means wanting them to have a better childhood than you did. A better house, better clothes, better toys, more holidays - whatever it may be, so many parents want their children to have a better upbringing than they did.

I don't, though. I don't want Raife, who is just about to turn 7 months old as I write this, to have a better upbringing than I did.

It all comes down to setting him up for his teenage and adult life. To understand why you need to understand what my upbringing was like. I would say I had a good childhood. Not the best, but good. My parents split when I was seven and I struggled to cope with that for quite some time. If I remember correctly, I didn't see my Dad for around six months. My Mum supported me and my older brother and sister financially on a below average salary. And yet, there was little we went without.

As soon as I turned 18, I contributed towards food shops, bills and petrol. I was an adult, adults have responsibilities. I remember my mum sitting me down not long before my 18th birthday to explain that she would need me to pay towards things around the house, particularly as her child benefit would stop. I already knew that I would need to help out. I was a 6ft 4" man - I was probably eating more than I ever did before. I was using the car more than ever. I was staying up until all hours playing video games and talking to friends, using more electricity. It was only fair. And to be honest, I would've insisted on contributing even if my mum hadn't asked.

Of course, she still brought us things herself when we were growing up. But it was that approach of working for nice things that I'm really thankful for. It really set me up for adult life. Now, I know it seems a long way off to be thinking about the attitude Raife will have as an adult, but it's something you do think about as a new parent - what your children will be like as toddlers, teenagers, what they'll be like in school, what sort of job they might have. And I definitely want Raife to have the same attitude towards work and buying new things.

I'm not saying I was brought up the perfect way because there is no perfect way of bringing up a child. Every child is different and every family is different. However, I'm so happy with the way I was raised. It set me up really well for adult life and I've benefitted so much as a result. I want to do just as well for Raife. Not better, just as well.

Jon is a part of the This Dad Can community. He is a married father of one, who blogs about his life as a new parent. Keen to remain his own person, as well as 'Raife's Dad', Jon's blog, My Life as Dad, covers all aspects of his life, not just the parenting - although it is a pretty big part of it! His blog covers parenting, mental health, exercise and fitness, with more topics to come.

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