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What 'Awkward' Star Desi Lydic Should (And Shouldn't) Learn About Parenting From Valerie Marks

From the looks of it, the actress has a baby on board!

The aimless Valerie Marks may be at a crossroads (Palos Hills High School misses you, V!), but actress Desi Lydic, who plays PHHS’ vice principal/guidance counselor extraordinaire, has her next step concretely planned: She’s gonna be a mom!

Yup, Lydic, who’s also a new addition to the Trevor Noah-fronted "Daily Show," has shared a few Instagram shots of her ballooning belly over the past few weeks. And, if the most recent is to be believed, we’ll have a new mini-Desi by Christmastime. Santa, himself, couldn’t have planned it better.

We’ve got no doubt that the “Awkward” thesp and husband Gannon Brousseau, who were married last September, will make great parents. Still, there’s something to be learned from Lydic’s Ms. Marks character (or, more accurately, not learned).

Sure, Val’s got a good heart and genuinely cares about her school’s kids, but there’s no denying her technique could use a little bit of finesse. Below are eight of Val’s quirks that Desi would be wise to avoid as a brand-new mother. Check ‘em out, be sure to wish Desi congratulations and tune into “Awkward” Monday nights at 9/8c!

Don’t encourage tattoos.

Particularly the tramp stamp. If the child eventually decides to get inked when he or she’s legal, sure -- but parents should hardly dictate forms of rebellion. (And no exotic symbols without a trusted translator!)

Don’t laugh at your child’s dreams.

A pretty implicit rule, but when Val’s involved, it should be spelled out nonetheless. Whether the kid wants to usurp a Senate seat or tame lions with the best of ‘em, it’s important to offer support.

If she’s a girl, don’t let her style dictate yours.

A mother will have plenty of opportunities to embarrass her child, but she needn’t embarrass herself too in the process. We’re all advised against jumping off the hypothetical bridge just because the cool kids do it, and if your daughter is one of ‘em, the point remains.

Don’t teach her to go for the bad boys.

In theory, being the quarterback’s girlfriend is a cool distinction, but studies show the BMOC is also usually a D-I-C-K. Val learned that lesson the hard way when she hooked up with her graduating class’ cool guy at her high school reunion. Why not make it a cautionary tale?

Perhaps don’t shame your kid for being a virgin, if that’s his or her prerogative.

Nine times out of 10, a mother would be over the moon to learn her child’s staying chaste until a serious relationship comes into the picture. Val, of course, would stand as the exception. Should Desi teach her child safe-sex techniques? Sure. And remember: Mocking a kid for committing to virginity is a pretty obvious no-no.

Don’t teach your child to be flattered by a stalker.

There’s no harm in enjoying an innocuous compliment from a peer…as long as a restraining order hasn’t first been filed. While Val might be so hard up for adulation that she’d accept a cat call from Robert Durst, Desi would be wise to leave the guidance counselor’s trait in the world of fiction.

Don’t take sides in a kid vs. kid argument.

This one’s crucial -- an impartial, fair parent can make all the difference in a child’s rearing. Where Val’s the type to jump to conclusions, being Switzerland is often a better stance to take until things are talked out -- plus, it’d save Desi from migraine-inducing arguments that’ll surely follow.

Don’t publicly humiliate your child under the guise of doing something nice.

Like, you know, getting the entire auditorium’s attention only to share a rap in honor of the kid’s 16th birthday.

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