I second the Karens - weaning yourself is popular right now, and sadly a slightly misguided trend. I am not saying that people should not do it, but it does NOT mean you will bond better with your bird. Think of it like yourself. Who are your BEST friends. Are they your parents, or the friends you have made outside your family? Some people's best friends ARE their parents, but most would rather make their own friends. Parrots are similar. Also, weaning is a critical learning time for parrots. You have a lot of bird experience, but parrots are not like other birds. I highly suggest your first parrot NOT be one that you wean yourself. However, that is a personal choice that you may choose to make. I suggest doing research on arguments for and against before making your choice. Many breeders send babies home pre-weaning because it saves them time and money. They say it is for your good, but that is not always the motivation. That said, Dr. Steve Hartman of the Parrot University in Ohio makes a great case for weaning your own baby - I suggest reading everything you can get your hands on by him. His reasons have nothing to so with bonding, however.
Ok, as for other species, I agree that Pionus and some Amazons can be GREAT first "big birds" and I also think you sound like a great future parrot owner! Typically I tell people not to ever get a "starter bird" so keep in mind whatever bird you get needs to be one you are IN LOVE WITH, not one you plan to "upgrade" from to a cockatoo. I think cockatoos are generally considered the black diamond slope of the bird world, I have not heard of any being considered more difficult. I suggest you sit down with your family and come up with a list of priorities. Be honest about what you want, because this bird will be in your life for the next 30-90 years
Sounds like your kids will be looking after it when you are gone, so be sure to include them in the choice.
Some things to consider are
color
talking ability
noise level
size
temperament
is this bird likely to become a one person bird?
How cuddly
more playful, or more serious?
Is it important to you that the bird be very common or uncommon?
My #1 choice for a bird is a Green Cheeked Conure. Spunky, but cuddly. They can have a favorite person but are not as likely to form a mate bond with one person and despise all others. My Flick loves my husband best, but spends most of her time with me since he is gone a lot. She will step up for anyone. Cache loves my sister the best, but again will step up for anyone (as long as they are not wearing blue nail polish) and will lay on her back for snuggles. Delta and Beret love each other best, but like snuggles from whomever will give them. They can learn to talk, but most do not. However they are "nice and quiet" as far as conures go and they come in a whole range of colors. Some people don't like them because they are so small, but to me that is a plus because it is much easier for me to find HUGE cages for them, that would be too small for the larger parrots.
My #2 choice would be one of the Pionus species. The have that "parrot" look with the stocky bodies and short tails, and come in pretty colors. With the exception of the Blue Headed Pionus, most are not quite as bright as some of the more typical parrots, but they are also much more easy-going, much less emotional, and much quieter than most parrots. They have been nicknamed "apartment parrots" and "Amazon lite" again, as with most quieter species, they can talk but it is not their strong suit.
Is it just the crest that gets you? Is that what made you choose the cockatoo? If so, perhaps consider a cockatiel.
Is it the size and talking ability? I dont own one, but I think some Macaws are similar in size, cost, and talking ability to cockatoos without the added drama. I believe they are described at eternal 2 year olds. There are MANY mac owners here who could give guidance on which species fit what stereo-types and what to consider before getting one.
Amazons are fun as well, but also a handful. Someday I hope to own a Panama Amazon, as they have a reputation for being more easy-going than some of the other species.
Some African Parrots are also good candidates although they tend to be less colorful.
As someone said, it would be wise to start a thread asking for advice on this, giving the specifics of your home, lifestyle, budget, and what you are looking for in a bird. Dont feel guilty about posting here though, I don't think the original poster cares for the answers they received anyway.
) you might consider. 
