Just show up. That’s all we can really control. Show up, (don’t run) and take it from there. You got this.


21



Take out your aggression on inanimate things, never on people or animals.


9



I don’t remember much about my grandmother (Marie) but I recall her hands. Her ring fingers had a funny curve to them, bowed in a little at the top. My ring fingers do the same thing. I think of her every time I notice it.


19



Universal Studios


12-18



Watch “The Sandlot” together. Great story about friendship and showing up for each other.


8



Get book “Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids'Go-To Person about Sex.” by Deborah Roffman.


7



Family trip to a NASCAR race..


6



Ask “Is your belly full?” Instead of saying “Clean your plate!” Have them stay in touch with hunger/food connection.


3



Just love them. With all your might, them for who they are, and where they are. Forget about the other stuff.


15



Stay away from anything or anyone that denies or disparages a person’s humanity. (Or a group’s humanity.)


12-21



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


6-9



The moment you lose your cool, you’ve lost.


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Watch the local news together.


12



You can get into big trouble (with school and the law) even by fake / joke threats of violence (bomb threat, etc.) No jokes or pranks that have anything to do with violence.


11



Harm springs from excess.


12



YouTube Hank Green “Study Hall.” It talks about navigating the mess of college and career choices, like choosing a major (and what a major is!) What interests align with which majors, etc.


12, 15, 16



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe together.


8



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



You should feel safe with friends. They shouldn’t try to get you hurt or in trouble. Anyone who makes you feel unsafe is not your friend.


8-15



Read Prefontaine.


13



Inevitably you will make mistakes in your career. Someone will dress you down for it. It stings. But they are doing you a favor. Thank them for it. We all have to learn, and we can’t do that if our pride gets in the way. Be humble and accept constructive criticism.


16, 21



You are not your thoughts. Focus more on your choices / actions.


17



Get talking. Trade off likes, fears, hopes, dreams, pet peeves, etc. I like... I get mad when... I dream about... It makes me sad when I see... I’m afraid of... I wonder about...


4, 8, 14



Just because I forgive you, it doesn’t mean I trust you. Trust has to be earned.


15, 18, 21



Pedestrians get hit all the time. Be aware when you’re driving OR walking. Wear reflective gear if walking at night. Stay off your phone when driving OR walking.


15



Physical contact between two people is only fun / appropriate / legal / healthy if both people are into it. If one party objects, demurs or even acts less-than-interested, that’s the ballgame. Stop physical contact immediately. Be kind and respectful at all times.


15, 18



“Love is giving your heart without expectation.” - Dan Fogelman


16, 21



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


9