Read everything Brene Brown ever wrote.


20



So what you can. If you’re overwhelmed or depressed, and I can’t get it together to brush your teeth, rinse with water. Tomorrow, rinse with mouthwash. In a few days, brush without bothering to put toothpaste on the brush. This is a pretty extreme example but u get the picture. If you can’t do a load of laundry, just pick up the clothes into a pile. Tomorrow separate the pile. If you can’t face doing a full leg day at the gym, do one rep. Just do what you can, and eventually you will get up to speed. Give yourself grace, my love.


15, 17, 21



Watch movie Sky Walk (2019) it’s about a school paper.


14, 18



You don’t have to lower your standards, just lower your walls.


12, 15, 21



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



Read the Hobbit aloud with him. Afterward, encourage him to read The Lord of the Rings by himself.


9



ADHD hack for studying or projects- Leave yourself notes about where you left off.


13, 21



“The flower does not dream of the bee. It blossoms


15



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



There is so much darkness in the world - keep pushing back against it every way you can. Be a force for good.


14, 16, 21



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



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



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Don’t confuse a broken dream for a broken future. Or a broken heart for a broken life.


13, 15, 17, 19, 21



If baby / toddler is melting down, put them in the bathtub or bring them outside. A change in temperature will calm them.


Infant-4



Healing doesn’t mean becoming the best version of yourself. It’s learning to love even the worst parts about yourself.


17, 21



Find one or two scary documentaries on the dangers of gambling. Watch together. Betting on sports is a big thing in some schools and I want to scare the $@!#% out of him about how bad gambling can screw up his life. Check online tools from gamblers anonymous.


15



You can’t selectively numb feelings. The inclination to drink, use, shop, gamble, etc. is real but it’s a lie that it will make you feel better. Numbing makes this much, much worse. So feel! The good, the bad, the scary. Talk about your feelings, write about them or create something from your feelings. This is how to process in a healthy way.


16, 20



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



Follow love and kindness wherever they may take you and you’ll be fine. xoxo


13, 17, 21



Sometimes the only thing you can do is to show up. Be there.


13, 15, 17, 21



When disciplining remember: First acknowledge the emotion, then address the behavior.


2-4, 13, 15



1

When you bring home a new baby, make sure your older kid(s) hear you talking to it the way you talk to them: “I’m sorry Baby I can’t hold you right now, I’m going to play with Sibling.” It makes it a lot easier to tell Siblings that you can’t give them attention right now because Baby needs you. Less resentment, etc.


2, 3, 4, 5



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



“Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.”


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21



You’ll start dating soon. Have fun! Good luck. Prepare yourself for broken hearts. They come with the territory. (Worth it.) Talk about healthy ways to manage breakups and fear of breaking up.


13



Curiosity is life-giving while judgement is soul-sucking. Get curious about yourself and others. Wonder why, try to understand without judging.


12, 16, 20



Human creativity is nature manifest in us.


15, 21



Ask them to name 2 current or historical figures that they admire and why (one man one woman).


6-18