Grit.


14



“First things first!” It’s a constant struggle to get out of the house or complete a task. Hammer home “first things first!” After they’re dressed (or whatever task) THEN they can have screen time or playtime free-time, etc.


4



Your mother and I would never want you to sacrifice the wellbeing of your own family for us. They should always be your priority. In the years ahead, make the choices that affirm that.


21



Two big things. Control yourself, not others. Learn to react less.


12, 16, 19, 21



Grandpa always said everything boils down to how you treat people. Always treating people with kindness and respect is the most important lesson he wanted to get across to us.


12-21



Be supportive of someone who is trying to better themselves.


16



I really want to see Totfino, BC. There’s no one I’d rather see it with than you. xoxo


20



Resource: the website Ask, Listen and Learn has great material about how to start a conversation about the dangers of under-age drinking. asklistenlearn.org


9



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



Healing happens when you give up the hope that the past could have been any different. xoxo


20



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



“Pay yourself first” means save before you spend. You never know when you’ll need to tap into savings, so build it up early and heartily.


18



No absolute restrictions on food but stress that some foods are “party food.” Chips, for example. (I love potato chips!)


4



Educate About Risks of Driving


12-15



Explore American Sign Language. Libraries have books and websites like Lifeprint.com are great resources. It’s a good skill, helps build vocabulary and verbal skills. Seems that preschoolers are naturals -they just think it’s fun.


4-5



The app "Bark" detects messaging containing cyber-bullying, sexting, signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, etc.


11



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



Test


1-2



There is an expression “God only gives you what you can handle.” I think that’s backwards. I think that God gives you the grace you need to handle whatever comes your way. He is faithful and generous. I think that’s what “Be not afraid” means.


17



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



Just because someone is an a-hole it doesn’t mean they’re wrong.


17, 21



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my organization


10, 12, 16



“You’ll never be alone when you carry a poet in your pocket.” - John Adams Bring a book with you wherever you go.


12, 19



Apollo 13 and The Martian Great movies about space, science, engineering, etc. Watch together.


12



Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



Soothe a newborn: Swaddle , shushing noise, swing, side/stomach position, suck on a binkie. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp (or watch the video.) It' a life-saver.


Infant



Never post a pic to social media that you wouldn't want Grandma to see. NEVER send or ask to receive naked pictures. It's tacky, gross, illegal and not worth it. Even if "everyone does it". It's rude and disrespectful.


11-13, 18