You're about to come into a ton of energy and strength. It will seem like a lot to manage at first, but you'll get used to it and learn to use it constructively. Push your limits (within reason.) Challenge yourself.


13



Quoting Sarah Bessel: “One of the best things Jen Hatmaker has taught me about raising big kids: if they get on the roller coaster of Big Emotions, my main first job is to stay on the platform. I am NOT to get in the car and ride up


12



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



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


18



1

“Tell me the story of your day.” (Works better than “how was your day?”


5, 6, 10



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 21



Girls forget a good bit of compliments they receive but they remember every single insult. Speak gently, remind them they’re beautiful. Never qualify it.


12, 14, 17



People learn all sorts of different ways. I found I learn best by repetition (drills) especially true for skills. And by listening for studying. Recording my lectures in college made a huge difference in my ability to learn and retain material. Let’s find what works for you.


14, 17



Whether they’re young or old, try not to under-estimate people. Most people will impress the heck out of you.


15



Be appreciative of people’s time. Send thank you notes after interviewing and applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. even if you don’t get picked. It’s common courtesy and it’s a good way to make a good impression for next time.


18, 20



Read "You Can’t buy a Dinosaur with a Dime" by Harriet Ziefert. Teaches kids about earning money through work, making choices, even paying taxes!


9



Stage one relationship: first few dates. Stage two, you really like them. Stage three, you love them and are exclusive. Stage four: you commit to building a future together. You’re going to have many stage one and two relationships. Probably a few stage three, and if you’re lucky you’ll have one or two stage fours.


14, 17, 21



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



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


17, 21



Considering taking meds for your mental health but concerned about the side effects? Consider the side effects of *not* taking them! Meds don’t turn you into someone you’re not, they lift the murky fog around your brain so you can be more yourself. It’s the depression that changes you. Meds just help you get rid of the fog.


18, 21



Pool safety- never touch equipment and always have a grownup present when swimming.


3-8



Theme: Dignity


11



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

Adopting a “do it right now” mentality has done wonders for my self-discipline. Something on the floor? Grab it right now. Thinking about cooking later? Cook right now. Laundry finished? Put them up right now. Home from a trip? Unpack right then. It’s the small things.


8, 9, 12, 17



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



If you don’t know where to begin, picture where you want it to end, and work it backwards.


15, 21



Show them a picture of a riptide and explain about swimming parallel to the shore instead of fighting it. Google Outer Banks NC green fluorescent dye in riptide.


9-15



Give books. Inscribe them. Just a line or two can turn a good book into a treasure. Great for any occasion.


17



Just let a sweet moment be. There’s a time for jokes or small talk, but sometimes silence is best.


15,21



It’s hard to want something and not have it. Kids have to learn how to sit with that.


3-17



Build something beautiful.


13, 21



"Surround yourself with people who trust and get YOU." - Josh Groban, High Point University 2018 commencement address. Note, I love that quote because it speaks to having a tribe, a close group of friends. But it's also important to surround yourself with people who challenge you, who may not agree with you or have the same perspective as you do.


14-19



It’s okay if you don’t know how (or don’t want) to move on. Start with something easier…just don’t go back.


16



Don’t let someone have to tell you twice that they don’t want you. Nothing good comes from hanging on after that.


15, 21