Read BIOGRAPHIES. So many interesting stories and valuable lessons. Historical figures, those close to them (those are often the real treats!) Also people from all walks of life, different industries. Artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, statesmen, etc. Bonus points for listening to the audiobook if subject narrates it.


20



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



Unkind people are unhappy people.


8, 18



When someone gets upset for seemingly no reason maybe it’s not something you did or said but something you simply triggered. Try not to get defensive. Either gently remove yourself from the situation or if you want to engage with them just ask “what did I trigger?” Or “what story are you telling yourself right now?” Then, just listen.


20



Enroll in cooking lessons. We'll need to find you someone who knows how to cook. (Don't tell mom I said that.)


14



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



Sleep paralysis runs in the family. If you ever feel like you’re awake but you can’t move - don’t panic. It will pass in a minute. It’s just a lag time in your sleep/wake cycle.


20



Be respectful with regard to how you treat girls:. How you talk to them, how you talk about them, and even how you think about them.


11-14



Practice sitting still and quiet. Make it a game. Helps with focus and impulsivity.


4-7



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


17-20



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



ABC's of video game addiction: Autonomy, Belonging, Control. Try to find ways to developing these things in areas outside of gaming. Games are great, but not at the expense of everything else.


1Infant-13



Teach him what to do and how to act if he gets pulled over.


16



Defending yourself from a bear: NEVER run from or turn your back on a bear. Remember the rhyme: “If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown hit the ground, if it’s white like Similac, frozen bear gonna send u back.” - Mamadou Ndiaye


16



When making decisions or setting goals etc, approach from the perspective of your truest self. That’s integrity.


14, 18, 21



Plan trip to Bush Gardens late September


5



Your brain seeks novelty. Try new things as long as you live. Take risks (but not safety risks!)


20



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



Marry for character, not just chemistry.


17, 21



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



Watch documentary The Rescue together.


15



Save where you can. Spend when you have to. Splurge every once in a while.


15, 21



Stuff will happen and you’ll think “I can’t get through this. I can’t go on.” In the moment it really feels that way. But ...You will survive. You’ll find a way. Never give up on yourself. I never will.


17



Explain the concept: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


6



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



Put down your phone and be in the moment. Teach this. Model this.


7



Google the “tea metaphor” for a discussion about consent.


17



When someone introduces themselves as transgender, it’s no big deal. Simply say “nice to meet you” or “cool.” Then politely ask “What are your pronouns?” And then you know how they prefer to be addressed.


13



Just do the next right thing. One step at a time, you’ll get there.


13, 18, 21



Sex talk: “Forget about sex. Just play first.” Forget about making a move and just have fun. Dance, listen to music together, go somewhere exciting, look at something beautiful, read to each other, play sports, let yourself be seen and encourage them to do the same. Communicate in a hundred ways: talk/send texts/ post on social media, pass notes, whatever. “Sex isn’t the door to intimacy


15