Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



1

Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my organization


10, 12, 16



Watch Ken Burns’ “The US and the holocaust.”


17



“Just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true. Your brain’s a little $@!#% and likes to lie to you.” -Elyse Myers


15, 21



Never do two illegal things at the same time. Don’t break the law while breaking the law.


16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21



Check out news-for-kids websites like Dogo News and NBC Learn.


7



Build a treehouse together


8



Set up a 529 plan. Virginia has a great plan if you don't want to do too much research https://www.savingforcollege.com/


birth-age 3



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



Think about building a career. Take low-paying or no-paying jobs that will give you the experience you need to build it. It's not all about the paycheck, especially when you're young and don't have too many bills to pay.


19-21



Speaking truth to power is important but should be done carefully. Before you speak remember this: Is there anything self-serving, mean-spirited, or ego-driven? If you’re sure your feedback isn’t tinged with those things, then I’d say you can be comfortable telling it like it is. Note: when you’re young (less than 30) WAIT to be asked before you spill your guts! Always be kind, professional and consider what you want to say carefully.


21



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


6-9



Consent is more than the literal


13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



1

On September 11th I was at work in Fairfax VA. News reports were saying a plane was headed to the Capitol, that the Whitehouse had been hit. In the immediate aftermath of a big event, news reports will be unreliable. Wait until the facts are in. Several of the nurses had husbands who worked at the Pentagon. One of the doctors was married to a U.S. Senator in her office on the Hill. It was surreal, but no one panicked. I remember we all burst into tears when my friend’s husband called saying he was safe. So relieved.


15, 17



Do what makes you happy. But what if you’re not sure what that might be? If you’re at a crossroads and you don’t know where you *want* to go, just go where you’re *needed.* That’s a good first step. Trust the Lord to take it from there.


18



Ask the question “What are you doing when you feel most like yourself?”


16



Have them sort change, and eventually to count it. It teaches them to gather things that are alike, it's an introduction to money and it occupies them for 15 minutes! Just make sure they're old enough to be past the point of putting coins in their mouth.


3-5



Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”


14



Sign up for typing class. (Keyboarding)


13



If your partner doesn’t want to commit to you, it’s not a matter of convincing them. Even if you get them to walk down the aisle that’s not the problem. It’s not that they don’t want to get married, it’s that they don’t want to BE married to you. And that is not a problem that will go away even if you manage to “get” them to commit. Walk away or spend the rest of your life pulling them along. F that.


21



All behavior is communication.


2-6



Life doesn’t have to turn out like you imagined it would in order to be AMAZING.


19



Cut people some slack, everyone is entitled to a bad day.


17-20



Discuss the concept that “It’s not always about you.” Some days need to be about supporting someone else in their joy - or sorrow. Your needs take a backseat.


11, 14, 17



A useful opening line in a conversation (personal, parenting or professional) is “What should I know about ...”. It shows you understand you have something to learn, and it makes people feel valued. “What should I know about what’s going on at football practice?”


14



An exercise in assumption. Have them answer “Just because I _______” doesn’t mean _________”.


10



Rain, snow or sleet...Always return the shopping cart to the proper spot in the parking lot.


17