Practice sitting still and quiet. Make it a game. Helps with focus and impulsivity.


4-7



Everyone has times when they don’t get their way. They lose, or fall short in competition. Everyone fails. Very few are able to fail gracefully, keeping conscious of their their dignity, not losing their sense of humor, etc. Cultivate a resilient mindset. Sometimes if you can’t beat them it really is a good thing to join them. Sometimes it’s better to go down swinging. As far as enduring a bad situation, the saying goes “If you can’t get out of it, then get into it.” Meaning, make the absolute best of it. Excel, delight in your circumstances as much as possible. You won’t stay down for long.


10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21



You an learn just about anything on Google or YouTube! Spend some time exploring together and caution about how to search safely.


9



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



Marriage tip: King sized blanket on Queen size bed.


21



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Your emotional energy is sacred, and there’s nothing wrong with treating it that way. If connection is what you’re looking for, save your emotional energy for those who will cherish it and share their own. - Yung Pueblo from his book “Lighter”


12, 14, 17, 21



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



You can’t selectively numb feelings. The inclination to drink, use, shop, gamble, etc. is real but it’s a lie that it will make you feel better. Numbing makes this much, much worse. So feel! The good, the bad, the scary. Talk about your feelings, write about them or create something from your feelings. This is how to process in a healthy way.


16, 20



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


14, 18, 21



Defending yourself from a bear: NEVER run from or turn your back on a bear. Remember the rhyme: “If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown hit the ground, if it’s white like Similac, frozen bear gonna send u back.” - Mamadou Ndiaye


16



Replace “but” with “and.” “I love you but...” Becomes “I love you and that’s why...” etc.


9



Try out Petra Lingua online language courses for kids. (Ages 3-10)


4



Do feel like you’re where you’re supposed to be?


19, 21



The universe is cheering for you!


14, 16, 18, 20



Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



Great reminders for how to deal with belligerent kids. https://mailchi.mp/ahaparenting/8-things-you-can-do-when-your-child-is-belligerent


4



“Natural” deodorant doesn’t work. Go with trusted brands here. There are times when it’s fine not to look your best, but stinky is never okay.


13, 18



Philippians 4: 11-13


12



Sometimes it feels really good to say “no.” (Or “no thank you.” Or “$@!#% no!”)


14, 20



Whatever your first knee-jerk reaction is, it’s not always the right one. Sleep on it.


14, 17, 21



Begin to teach self-policing. There are plenty of good things that I want them to be able to partake in (alcohol, a trip to Vegas, etc.) but alcohol and gambling are just a few of the things that can sneak up and take hold and RUIN your life if you don’t know how to self-limit. Respect the potential danger and be vigilant. keep re-ticketing and repeat yearly (age-appropriate)


11



Read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit together


11



If you ever borrow someone’s car, return it with a full tank of gas.


20



Start a vegetable garden.


7



Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



“How we learn to hold what hurts shapes so much of who we are. What we choose to do with our pain defines us more than most things.“ -Chani Nicholas


11, 14, 17



Grandpa used to keep a hundred dollar bill stashed discreetly in his wallet “for emergencies.”


17