Don’t ask for anything until you’ve done what has been asked of you.


5



When you feel like you’re on fire with anger or fear, if you can’t shake it, put that fire to good use.


14



Consider the source. When you get information, look at where or who it’s coming from. Do you trust them? Are they an expert? When someone criticizes you. Do they know why they’re talking about and are they taking chances themselves. Pay no attention to hecklers.


15



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


17, 18, 21



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



Opioids are highly addictive. If possible, stay away from them entirely and definitely not for more than 2-3 days. Manage pain with NSAIDS or Tylenol.


16, 18, 21



Anger diffuser game to help better understand coping skills when angry


8-18



Never make a decision from a place of hopelessness.


14, 16, 21



Check into Brilliant.org for STEM activities.


12



Try house music for focus. Spotify “uplifting trance” playlists. Better than Adderall by a mile.


12, 13, 16



Kids Can Make a Difference is a great resource for teaching little kids about poverty and equality.


6-10



Sometimes it feels really good to say “no.” (Or “no thank you.” Or “$@!#% no!”)


14, 20



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


5



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Relationship advice: Is she interesting? You’ll spend more time with her than anyone in your life. Does she make you laugh? Will she make a good mom? Life is long. These are the things that matter.” -Paraphrased quote from Barack Obama


21



“In the middle of the pain you didn’t cause, the change you didn’t want, the reality you didn’t know was coming . . . your life can still be beautiful.” Lysa TerKeurst


20



Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



On a job interview, mention a high-level educational goal such as MBA or law school. Their estimation of you will go up without them even realizing it. Your offer will be higher. Also follow, up with a brief but we’ll-written (professional) thank you note/email whatever.


17, 19, 21



Honesty without kindness is brutality. Kindness without honesty is manipulation. (That said, when anyone asks if that outfit makes them look fat, the answer is “you look perfect.”)


20



Sailing lessons.


14



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


8



It's a skill to learn how to love people the way they need to be loved. I highly recommend reading the Five Love Languages.


18, 21



“It’s not as important how a message is received compared to how it is sent.” Sometimes you have to have uncomfortable conversations but the can always be kind and loving. Sometimes your message won’t land well, but if you expressed yourself truthfully and kindly, that’s not your burden to bear.


16



Typically, brains aren’t mature until about age 25. ADHD brains take longer


17, 21



Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.


20



If someone wants to leave you, let them. Don’t waste your energy trying to prove your worth to anyone.


14, 19, 21



“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, feeling safe to be yourself around your partner is.


15-20



Brennan Manning lectures and books.


19



Two big things. Control yourself, not others. Learn to react less.


12, 16, 19, 21