My mom used to say that one thing her mom taught her was no matter how poor they were they always had a clean house. She made sure of it.


18



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21



Every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else. Take your time processing the choices - write in your journal, sweat it out, listen to music, talk to someone you trust, read books from experts. Once you’re clear about what you’re giving up, let it go and don’t look back. (Remember there’s no advice that’s right more than 99% of the time. Always trust your gut. Just remember an impulse isn’t the same thing as a gut check.)


15, 16, 19, 21



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



Google earth app means there's always a globe at hand. Point out states, countries or oceans when we hear about them.


4-9



Sesame Street has great resources on teaching finances to little ones.


4-5



Go for walks together as a family before or after dinner. Sometimes we go for distance, sometimes we call them "safaris" and look for as many living creatures as we can find.


4



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


12-14



Some people think the world owes THEM. They have a backwards. We are servants. How can we best serve?


12-21



Kindness is key. Practice being kind even when you don't feel like it. Let's all encourage each other to be kind always. (Or learn how to take a walk or go to our room when we just can't be kind in that moment.)


1-21



There IS such a thing as coming on too strong. Err on the side of leaving them wanting more.


15, 18, 21



Plan trip to Bush Gardens late September


5



Sex is not an act, it’s a pool. Stay in the shallow end for as long as possible. Have fun. Be safe. Be respectful.


15



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Look for glimmers. The opposite of triggers. Feels of elation, belonging, peaceful contentment. I just watched you glimmer as you delighted in your first Crunchbox. “I made this!!!”


12, 15, 19, 21



Chemistry is not the same thing as compatibility.


16, 19, 21



The universe is cheering for you!


14, 16, 18, 20



Teach them that when we hear sirens it means someone is in trouble but help is on the way.


2-5



A person’s friends are a reflection of their character. Pick friends who you can be yourself around. Look for partners who have close friendships, a circle of friends who think highly of them.


14, 17, 21



Book “8 Candles and a Tree” about celebrating interfaith holidays.


7



“When you are not fed love off a silver spoon you will learn to lick it off of knives.” Lauren Eden (poet)


0, 20



Some days it feels like your world is falling apart, but what's really happening is that it's falling into place. Make good choices. Be kind. Be brave. Trust.


15, 21



Songs hit so much different (better) when you read the lyrics while listening. Headphones help heighten the experience too.


12, 14, 19, 21



Look into Space Camp for next year


8



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


12, 13, 16



Ask him for Christmas present: recite Andy Weir’s “The Egg.” Bonus points for memorization! Also great idea for audition tape. )I’m assuming you’ll be in theater!) xoxo


15



“Praise in public. Discipline in private.” This is good advice for when you’re a parent and for when you’re a boss.


20



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


17