Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem.


2-5



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


17, 21



Robin Williams was one of the best examples of how to be a good human.


15, 19, 21



Pray for the courage to be yourself.


10, 13, 15, 17, 21



Roll-play confrontational situations so they can practice staying calm, not reacting in situations like road-rage, bullies, being screamed at by a boss or a customer.


11, 15, 17



Talk about how to act respectfully and be inclusive of children with disabilities and facial deformities, etc.


5-10



Do something that feeds your soul every day. Experience or create joy, even if just a small spark of it.


17



One of the best things you can do for yourself is to cultivate a hobby. Anything positive/creative you can throw yourself into.


11, 13, 17, 21



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


17



Sadness means you need love. (From another person, a pet, yourself.) Someone whose presence brings you comfort. May be dead, living, fictional, historical figure, religious (god, saints, Buddha, etc.) Live and in person is best though. Let someone love you how you need to be loved.


19, 21



Practice sitting and standing "like a statue" to teach them how to be still. Start with a goal of 5 or 10 seconds, gradually move to 2 minutes. Same thing for "silent game" to teach them how to stay quiet when they need to. Bribery helps teaching this concept!


3-4



Resentment is a sign you are giving too much and are in need of replenishment. It’s a good example of how even the “negative” emotions are on your side, interpreting your experience in the world.


16, 18, 21



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



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


5



Talk about the difference between not feeling comfortable and not feeling safe.


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



Healing happens when you give up the hope that the past could have been any different. xoxo


20



Yes, push yourself and see how far / fast / high you can go (physically, academically, etc.) But remember, you have nothing to prove to anyone except yourself.


14, 17, 21



When you have no idea what you’re doing, just be kind. Be brave. Think critically and make the best decisions you can in the moment. If possible, find resources to learn what you need to know. Ask for help if help is available. Do your best and don’t sweat it.


18



Don’t quit your job until you have another job. Suck it up and make the best out of it.


21



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



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



Talk about de-escalation techniques.


15



Promise me you’ll never intentionally hurt anyone (including yourself.) There’s no need to suffer in silence, I will help you or get you to someone who can help you no matter what, no matter when, no matter why.


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



You always have a choice. Always.


15, 19, 21



Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



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


14, 18, 21



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Don’t be a dick.


21



They can shower themselves if you install a hand-held shower head and install a suction cup wall-mount shower head holder lower on the shower wall. It’s easy to do and very cheap. They love it!


4-6