When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



No matter how successful you become you’re still expected to act with integrity and respect.


14, 18, 21



It’s very easy to wander into trouble- not usually easy to wander out of it.


12



Repeat after me: “I am beautiful I am loved I am safe I am free. I don’t need to be like them I just need to be like me.”


7, 8, 9, 13, 16



Home is where they love you.


13, 17, 21



Unkind people are unhappy people.


8, 18



“Be brave. Be resilient. Be kind. Be grateful.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton


12



Staying calm is 90% of the battle. Practice.


13, 15, 18, 21



“Anger is the part of yourself that loves you the most. It knows when you are being mistreated, neglected, or disrespected. It signals that you have to take a step out of a place that doesn’t do you justice. It makes you aware that you need to leave a room, a job, a relationship, and old patterns that don’t work for you anymore. Learn to listen to your anger and make it your best friend. Then it’ll leave.” -author unknown


11, 14, 16, 19, 21



“Your soul is more magnificent, beautiful, and gigantic than you can possibly imagine.” From short story “The Egg” by Andy Weir


1Infant-21



Mallomars in Christmas stockings. Mom NEVER buys Mallomars. But Santa does. (Reticket x 15 years.)


4



Practice your signature


13



Remind them there’s nothing they could ever do to lose your love. They’re so afraid of disappointing you. Emphasize the difference between making mistakes and being a “bad” person.


5, 10, 15, 21



Check out teen life coach Coaching with Will.


13



Read BIOGRAPHIES. So many interesting stories and valuable lessons. Historical figures, those close to them (those are often the real treats!) Also people from all walks of life, different industries. Artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, statesmen, etc. Bonus points for listening to the audiobook if subject narrates it.


20



Cut people some slack, everyone is entitled to a bad day.


17-20



Always clean from clean to dirty. Wash glassware first, greasy dishes last. Sink and tub first, then toilet. Then floor. Top-to bottom is another general rule.


13, 18



It’s not a project, it’s a practice. (Health, fitness, keeping up with current events, prayer or meditation, housework, reading, etc.)


16



“Where you stand depends on where you sit.” It means your personal situation informs your stance on issues. Try to imagine how you’d vote if you were sitting at a less privileged place.


15, 21



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



I read this quote in a blog when my oldest was little: "You will never be more needed or more loved than you are right now. You will long for the days when your kids were little." So true. These years are exhausting, but hang in there. You are their sun and moon.


2



Put a few drops of tea tree oil in their shampoo bottle to keep lice at bay. If there’s a outbreak at school, add more. (Or spritz their hair with a tea tree oil solution.)


5-7



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



Addiction is when you can’t get through the day without something. It’s not that you need to feel high, it’s that you can’t live without what gets you high. Humans are all wired to be at risk for addiction


13, 15, 18, 20



Find what you love Do what you love Be what you love Live what you love Love what you love and never look back ... Except to love.


19



I wish I had heard this in my 20’s. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRtFBvGr/


20



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



I’m cool with “C”s. Do good work but don’t put too much pressure yourself.


14



There is nothing “basic” about basic human dignity. Never treat a person as though they are put on this earth for your amusement. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity because we’re all human beings. No matter their age, looks, status, even past wrongdoing, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.


14