“When little people get overwhelmed by big feelings it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.” L.R. Knost


1, 2, 3, 4, 10



Read article about Digital Learning/ transitioning to doing homework on a computer. http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/it-doesnt-have-to-stay-on-the-screen


10



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


11



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



Everything not saved will be lost. This is true for documents in Word and in life.


16



None of us should ever have to apologize for being who we are.


10, 14, 21



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Gambling is designed to be seductive- Everything about casinos and online gambling sites is about getting you to hand over your cash. It’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!


15, 18



Theme: Dignity


11



Start a tradition of asking them to memorize and recite a poem or famous speech for a gift for Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc. Start small with the little ones, expand as they get older.


8



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



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


9



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



Addiction is when you can’t get through the day without something. It’s not that you need to feel high, it’s that you can’t live without what gets you high. Humans are all wired to be at risk for addiction


13, 15, 18, 20



“Be brave. Be resilient. Be kind. Be grateful.” -Hillary Rodham Clinton


12



Check out Long Lake Summer Camp in NY. Theater, the arts, etc.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16



Talk about how to "go the extra mile."


14



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


16



People may have all kinds of different motives for doing what they do, saying what they say. To “give someone the benefit of the doubt” means that you consider what the best possible reason they may have for doing what they did and assume that was the motive. If someone has earned your trust, even if it’s that they’ve done nothing to break your trust, give them the benefit of the doubt.


11-15



Discuss the concept that “It’s not always about you.” Some days need to be about supporting someone else in their joy - or sorrow. Your needs take a backseat.


11, 14, 17



1

Give them marshmallows to suck on when they get a sore throat. Takes away the pain!


3,4,5,6



Pick an issue. One single issue, i.e. the economy or the environment or coverage of a certain event such as a crime or a sport season. Read at least one newspaper article on that topic every day. NYT, London Times etc.


14, 15, 16, 21



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



Soap and water go a long way towards fixing many problems.


12, 19



When you’re trying to make a positive change and you get sidetracked- don’t fret. Get right back to it as soon as possible. If you backslide into a bad habit, or blow your diet, etc. start back eating right with your next meal (not the next year/ month/week or even next day.) It’s not the falling off the wagon that hurts your progress, it’s the STAYING off the wagon. Everyone flubs-up sometimes. Don’t quit striving toward your goal because you slipped up. Get right back to it!!


14, 17, 21



Maria Shriver has lots of great parenting advice. One of my favorites is (paraphrased): “Children need what you need: to be seen, to be talked to, to feel safe and loved.”


Infant



Check out news-for-kids websites like Dogo News and NBC Learn.


7



Time is of the essence


16



Teach car maintenance: Adding air to tires, checking oil, etc.


13-17



Not all babies are born healthy. There’s grief over that, a painful letting go of hopes and expectations, but eventually parents begin to dream different dreams for their baby. You have it within you to love deeply


21