Read A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold (mother of Columbine shooter.)


12



With toddlers (or teens), first acknowledge the emotion. Then deal with the behavior. Validate their feelings. Once everyone is calm, address the behavior and discuss consequences if appropriate.


2, 13, 17



You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. What’s something worth being hated for?


11, 14, 17, 21



Promise me you’ll never intentionally hurt anyone (including yourself.) There’s no need to suffer in silence, I will help you or get you to someone who can help you no matter what, no matter when, no matter why.


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Your sex life should be safe, happy, healthy and consensual. It may or may include going all the way. There’s no rush, every relationship is different. You should feel safe and so should your partner. A lot will be a mystery but you should feel safe. You should be able to trust that your partner won’t intentionally hurt you, emotionally or physically. If you don’t trust your partner to keep you safe, get out.


17



Avoid love bombing.


15, 17, 21



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” -Danielle Le Port


15, 18



Paying extra for organic isn’t always worth it but I ALWAYS buy organic apples. They taste better and don’t have the pesticides, etc.


18



Even when something’s not the right fit (job interview, blind date, audition, etc.) you’re still making connections. You never know what could happen, so stay engaged and be yourself. Maybe that blind date who’s not into you has a friend who might be. Maybe that casting director will call you for a totally different role. Chin up! Ride the positive vibes you put out into the universe.


12,18, 21



There is all kinds of darkness in the world- disease, accidents, natural disasters, etc. But the worst darknesses are man made: War, violence, poverty, injustice, indifference. Push back against all of it as much as you can. Light will beat the darkness in the end. Fight on the side of the light. Love, truth, beauty, creativity, connection and compassion.


20



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


14, 18



When u drop someone off make sure they’re safely inside before you drive away.


15



What’s the Mark Twain quote about it’s not what you don’t know that gets you into trouble it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t true.


13, 21



There IS such a thing as coming on too strong. Err on the side of leaving them wanting more.


15, 18, 21



“If we could see our prayers we would never stop praying.” - Bunmi Laditan, by way of her angel.


11, 17



Toddler not interested in food? Hand them a random kitchen gadget to play with while you’re feeding them dinner, they’ll eat more if distracted.


1,2



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



Teach them about shaken baby syndrome.


13



Kindness + Confidence = secret to success and “popularity.”


10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21



The more you want, the less you get.


14, 16, 21



Small joys are what gets you through big grief.


14, 18, 21



Water park for fifth birthday


10



Appalachian Mountain Club


9-13



Consider the source. When you get information, look at where or who it’s coming from. Do you trust them? Are they an expert? When someone criticizes you. Do they know why they’re talking about and are they taking chances themselves. Pay no attention to hecklers.


15



We are all incurably human.


5, 15, 21



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Look for examples of people who have dealt with loss without giving in to bitterness. What do they have in common?


17



Go easy on the cologne, perfume, scented lotions, etc. People shouldn't be able to smell your perfume a mile away, only up close. Also, it's generally not appropriate for work.


17