I want you to remember that for the first three years of your life I couldn’t take a poop without you on my lap. So there will be no shirking hugs from Mom now that you’re a teenager. xoxo


14



Follow love and kindness wherever they may take you and you’ll be fine. xoxo


13, 17, 21



Review basic grammar mistakes: Their, they’re and there. “It’s” and “its” “a lot”, etc.


10



Speak up when it’s called for: Fight injustice, stand up for others, etc. but shut the F up if you’re thinking about offering an unsolicited opinion or advice about anything you’re not personally an expert in.


12, 16



It’s okay to feel jealous. Totally normal, totally human. Just never act on jealousy.


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Being accountable means saying that I was responsible for making sure this did not happen - but it did happen. I accept the blame and an prepared to incur the consequences. I will work earnestly to earn back your trust and confidence. The opposite of accountability is to make excuses or blame someone else for your mistake.


10, 18



There’s an art to speaking harsh truths in a delicate way. There’s an art in describing a ridiculous person or thing without being insulting. Mark Twain was a master at it. Read up!


17, 21



Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter. Hush until you heal.


12, 18



Practice not putting stuff off. If it takes 10 seconds or less do it now. Then move up to 30 seconds or less. Keep going up to ~3 minutes. Good example is putting away laundry or emptying dishwasher, etc.


15



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


18



1

Check out School of Rock (Vienna) or Bach to Rock.


9



Read Moth by Amber McBride. Young adult fiction in verse about grief. Twists and turns.


15



The next world is perfect and permanent. This world is neither, so save yourself the stress of trying to make things perfect (house, job, body, relationships, bank account, etc.) Embrace the impermanence by cherishing the good times. Know that the bad times won’t last. Remember that you are loved very much, and that God will shower you with the grace you need to handle whatever this imperfect life throws at you.


21



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


12



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


16



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


17



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



Discuss difference between foods that taste good vs. foods that make you FEEL good.


12-14



Time is of the essence


16



YouTube Randy Pauch The Last Lecture. Watch together.


14



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


21



Talk about how to speak up for themselves and others.


1Infant-12, 16, 21



Learning to keep your composure and maintain a respectful tone when you’re frustrated/angry/afraid/upset, etc. is a skill. PRACTICE it.


4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Ditch the serving bowls, plates, tablecloth and utensils. Cover middle of table in tinfoil for the food. Give each kid a tinfoil placemat in lieu of a plate. Let them eat with their fingers. (Works great with spaghetti, chicken, ribs, shrimp, etc. Try it with ice-cream and cake for a birthday party!


3-6



Make a deal: flying lessons IF he takes dancing lessons. A man has got to know how to dance! In fact, tack on some other prerequisites like good grades and responsible behavior


16



Ask smart questions. More importantly, ask stupid questions! So many people are afraid of looking stupid that they totally fake understanding. Even in the very highest levels of career and society. Ask basic questions if something doesn’t make sense. Start at a kindergarten level understanding of a concept then build on it.


15, 20



Compassion: Acting with love when faced with another’s suffering.


16



Some relationships (or jobs) are f*cked, and cannot be unf*cked. Release them and move on.


21