Practice having difficult conversations. There’s no way to get around being on the giving or receiving end of unpleasant news such as breakups, firings, news of a loved one’s passing, etc. You need to get good at having hard conversations, or else you’ll end up in jobs and relationships you don’t want to be in.


15, 21



Look into Space Camp for next year


8



Concussion testing - baseline


15



Yoga for kids classes or YouTube


5-8



Your mother and I would never want you to sacrifice the wellbeing of your own family for us. They should always be your priority. In the years ahead, make the choices that affirm that.


21



You’ve been entrusted with so much. Think about how much of an honor that is, and how big a responsibility.


16, 18, 21



If you’re ever in a situation where you’re worried you might need people to believe you in the future, take contemporaneous notes. Write or record what happened, how you responded. Focus on the facts but don’t ignore your thoughts or feelings, include them in your notes. Date and sign it. Keep it safe.


14, 17, 19, 21



Plan a few screen-free weekends every year. (Reticket until 16.)


7



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Don’t bring a complaint without offering a solution.


17, 19, 21



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Toddler years: Tater tots make everything better. The smaller ones cook faster and you don't have to turn them.


2



“Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you see with your own eyes isn’t happening.” -English teacher Read Diary of Anne Frank together.


12



Focus on being interesting (and genuinely interested) rather than focusing on being popular.


11, 13, 17, 21



Let them borrow your calm. Little ones (grownups too) sometimes just need to freak out a bit. Stay there. Be near. Don’t judge or even help. Just be there, and stay calm. Your loving energy is all they need as they work through it themselves. Keep them safe but other than that don’t help or advise unless they ask.


2-6, 17, 21



Play up your strengths. What are your strengths? What are you really good at or love doing?


13, 17, 21



Be kinder than necessary.


9, 15, 21



Some things just don’t come easy. That’s the point. Practice working for what you want. Nothing is sweeter than when you accomplish something you set out to do. Go for it!


11, 14, 17, 21



Never enter into (or stay in) a relationship with someone based on their “potential.” It’s a recipe for misery, resentment and frustration.


19



You remember experiences, connections. Not stuff. Don’t get too caught up in stuff.


12, 15, 17, 21



I hope you become more of yourself with every passing year. I love you so.


21



“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” - Ernest Hemingway


12, 15, 21



Walk up the Washington monument. No elevator!


11



“Bullies are scared people hiding inside scary people.” -Michelle Obama


8-12



Enjoy your success but don’t flaunt it.


21



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



A mommy-friend of mine gave me some good advice: "Count the wins." So what if you didn't clean the house, you showered! So what if she's wearing 9 different colors - she dressed herself! Great advice. So remember, especially on the difficult days - and there will be many: Count the wins.


1



“You will encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” -Maya Angelou


17



Sex isn’t something you “score.” It’s not a competition. Whether the encounter is casual or within a committed relationship it’s something that is shared.


16, 19, 20