Sometimes (oftentimes) the truth is easier to find than to face.


14, 20



Never follow an “I love you” with a “but...” Instead, follow it with “and...” or “that’s why...” Remember this when they’re young, teach it to them when they’re older.


10, 20



Remember what a teenaged sh*t you were before throwing in the towel on the next generation. We’re all self-centered, entitled and oblivious when we’re young. The goal is that they don’t *stay* that way. Be the parent they need, and they’ll listen. It may take a year or twenty, but they’ll see the light if you just pour love into them.


12-21



Check out Travel for Teens for summer travel programs. Let them choose from themes like service, adventure, animal rescue, etc.


14



In the wise words of Taylor Swift, you don’t have to forgive or forget in order to move on. You can just…move on.


15, 21



Never allow anyone to tell you who you are.


17



In professional setting: Limit one exclamation point per email, if any. Definitely no emoticons.


19



Attend a school board meeting or some sort of government meeting. Attend / participate.


13



“Things are not perfect, because life is not TV and we are real people with scarred, worried hearts. But it’s amazing a lot of the time.” - Anne Lamott


14



Book: “victory. Stand!” By Tommie Smith


14



Beware that when you’re first exposed to a new thing: a car, a college tour, house, etc. you will feel AMAZING and totally seduced by the shiny newness. Be cool. Remember that glitters is not gold. Things don’t need to be perfect and even if the house is it doesn’t mean life will be.


15, 18, 21



Watch Abby Wambach's 2018 Barnard commencement address together.


16



Before heading out for a good time, make a mental note on the ways you could wreck or end your life if bad stuff happened: Sick/hurt/dead from alcohol or drugs, unintended pregnancy, or being raped (or being charged with rape.) What do u have to do to protect yourself and keep things from going from good times to life-changing nightmare. Keep your wits about ya. And look out for your friends too.


15, 17, 18, 19, 21



Make an album Or Shutterfly book about Mom and Dad’s wedding and marriage. Stress themes of love, kindness, sacrifice, shared values and putting the other first. Talk about managing conflict in a loving relationship doesn’t mean never fighting but it does mean fighting fair. Make it an annual tradition to read through it and talk about marriage on their anniversary. (The next best thing to modeling a happy marriage.


9



Remember that your tend to act like/ think like the people you hang around most. Choose your friends (and your spouse) wisely.


10, 14, 21



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



1

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


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21



If you have a goal, just dive in. It's okay if you mess up or fail. Start over, get help... but start.


13, 18, 21



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



Robin Williams was one of the best examples of how to be a good human.


15, 19, 21



When they’re upset just ask what they need: space, distraction, or talk about it.


12



Practice these skills: Love yourself Respect yourself Value yourself Enjoy yourself


4, 6, 8, 12, 15, 17, 21



You can’t ask someone to change who they are before you live or accept them.


12, 15, 21



Fall in love with a person, not a feeling.


19



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


14-21



Summer concerts at Wolftrap- get good seats so they can really get a sense of the experience.


13-16



Encourage creativity, science and engineering: Make a craft station / work bench for projects. Fill it with all kinds of art supplies, engineering kits, tools, pegboard, etc. Stock safety equipment like goggles and make sure the area has good lighting. Lots of ideas on Pinterest, etc.


8



1

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


12



Buy “Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids” by Kristen Jenson


8