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



Pour energy into what’s right with you and see what happens.


20, 21



Some kids have trouble with learning how to managing their anger and other big feelings. We all do! It’s good to give them grace. But steer clear of those who think mean is cool. You don’t have time for anyone who actually tries to be an a-hole.


6, 9, 12, 16, 21



When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



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



Keep going. Push yourself. The struggle makes it all the more worth it.


17, 21



Encourage creativity, science and engineering: Make a craft station / work bench for projects. Fill it with all kinds of art supplies, engineering kits, tools, pegboard, etc. Stock safety equipment like goggles and make sure the area has good lighting. Lots of ideas on Pinterest, etc.


8



Sioux Nation quote: No one heals himself by wounding another.


16



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



Teach them about shaken baby syndrome.


13



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


14, 18, 21



“It takes about 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” - Warren Buffett


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



You don’t have to like everyone you go to school with, or work with. You don’t even have to like your family! BUT, you have to treat everyone with respect and kindness. They are worthy of that no matter what your opinion of them may be.


15, 21



Sign up for typing class. (Keyboarding)


13



“A lot” is two words. (You wouldn’t write abunch as one word.) “Its” is a pronoun like his or hers (you wouldn’t write her’s) The contraction “it’s” ONLY means “it is.” They’re / there / their


10



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Letting go isn’t something active. Rather, it’s something you stop doing. Stop hoping. Stop fooling yourself. Stop wishing things were different.


17, 21



“Where you stand depends on where you sit.” It means your personal situation informs your stance on issues. Try to imagine how you’d vote if you were sitting at a less privileged place.


15, 21



Watch documentary The Rescue together.


15



It's very important to me, the idea of the scale of good and bad, of beauty and suffering. I think we should do everything we can to increase the beauty and to take away from the suffering. We have to work hard to tip the scale in the direction of good.


1Infant-14



Listen to podcast “1912” about an incident of alarming racial injustice Forsyth County GA.


12



Check your ego. Often.


17, 21



Police officers and members of the military put their lives on the line to protect us. Be respectful of them and thank them for their service.


9



I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



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



Emphasize "First things first." Distraction is always a challenge. Redirect focus to first things first.


5



Build a backyard adventure camp


8



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



Have somebody take him skiing. I never learned to ski but I hope he learns to ski or snowboard.


6-11



You’re going to be okay if your relationship ends. You were a whole person before them and you’ll be a whole person after. - therapy Jeff


15, 21