Kindness is magic.


11, 15, 21



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



Great article on how to explain that bodies AND brains are undergoing rapid changes during adolescence. Re-read and then chat! https://www.upworthy.com/amp/this-mother-s-description-of-her-tween-son-s-brain-is-a-must-read-for-all-parents?c=ufb1


10



Educate yourself. You can't solve a problem if you don't understand it.


14-21



You gotta play with them. Down on the floor, at the park, in the water, in the snow. Connect through play, it will be the foundation of your relationship.


1-4



Time management skills. Look for current resources. Teach about making lists when you're feeling overwhelmed. Start with listing 5 to-do's. Tackle the top 3 of those. Then reassess. New priorities? If no, keep going down the list. If yes, add them to the list in whatever order of importance.


12



People may have all kinds of different motives for doing what they do, saying what they say. To “give someone the benefit of the doubt” means that you consider what the best possible reason they may have for doing what they did and assume that was the motive. If someone has earned your trust, even if it’s that they’ve done nothing to break your trust, give them the benefit of the doubt.


11-15



Violent thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid driving or being out in severe weather: car accidents, downed trees, high winds, lightning, flash floods, etc. are all potentially deadly. Don’t take your safety for granted. If the weather is severe, stay sheltered unless you absolutely positively have to be out and about.


12-14, 16, 21



You are absolutely priceless. What someone thinks of you, whatever may happen to you, no matter who loves you (or rejects you), nothing can diminish your worth or your worthiness. You. Are. Priceless.


10, 14, 17



Mindset for a breakup: “I’d rather adjust to your absence than be continually frustrated by your presence.” Can work with romantic partners, jobs, habits...anything you’re hanging on to that you know you should let go of.


19



Look for glimmers. The opposite of triggers. Feels of elation, belonging, peaceful contentment. I just watched you glimmer as you delighted in your first Crunchbox. “I made this!!!”


12, 15, 19, 21



“Never be sorry for not knowing


17, 21



I’d rather you be brave than perfect. Take chances. Fail, then pick yourself up and keep going.


18



Re-Read Tim Russert's Big Russ and Me.


14



Watch the news together. Local and national. Today Show has both of mornings are easier than evenings.


12, 13, 14, 15



Rent kayaks.


14-16



Watch the political conventions every election year. Listen and decide for yourself.


17, 18, 21



Teach them that when we hear sirens it means someone is in trouble but help is on the way.


2-5



Start the tradition of First Sunday dinners. On the first Sunday of the month, have a "mini-holiday" dinner. Invite family, friends. Use the nice dishes, make a big meal. Celebrate family.


4-18



Don’t quit your job until you have another job. Suck it up and make the best out of it.


21



A man is not a financial plan.


17



Let people do what they want to do so you can see what they’d rather do.


16



Be a safe place. Teach them to be a safe place too.


12



Japanese multiplication (counting lines.)


8



Talk about how to "go the extra mile."


14



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


9



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



1

Mom’s scrambled eggs: Use fresh eggs. Scramble vigorously. Don’t add water or milk, just cook in copious amount of butter. Add salt and pepper.


12