Remember that your tend to act like/ think like the people you hang around most. Choose your friends (and your spouse) wisely.


10, 14, 21



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



My favorite actor was Robin Williams.


19



Bedtime often goes to sh*t in a hurry because kids are tired and parents are out of patience. Be kind. If your kids are anything like you, they’ll need extra tenderness at bedtime: cuddles, soft words, prayers. Forgiveness for the ridiculous tantrums over silly stuff. Take pity on them, their little bodies are tired and they haven’t learned how to function on empty.


1-4



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


17,18



Make a deal: flying lessons IF he takes dancing lessons. A man has got to know how to dance! In fact, tack on some other prerequisites like good grades and responsible behavior


16



“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



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


15, 19, 21



Let’s talk about how we can bless people - with what we have and by how we act.


7



Parent the way you want your children to behave. Compassion, patience. Loving.


1, 2, 3, 4



Face it. Whatever it is, show up with your most powerful self. Make decisions from a point of power, not fear. Sometimes the answer is to retreat, care for the injured, mourn the losses. Strategize. Prepare and then attack.


14. 15, 17, 18, 19, 21



Partnership or pride…pick one.


21



You can’t hit ‘em all outta the park. Some days (dates, reviews, vacations, report cards, etc.) are just going to fall flat. No worries, the next one will be better.


15, 19



Check in on your friends. Even the ones that seem fine.


14-21



1

It's natural to avoid change. Try to learn to accept change, embrace it if you can! Change is good. :)


15



They are looking for your support, not your solutions. Applies to all ages.


2, 3, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21



Read “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo. Read it every year.


17, 19, 21



Surprise! You’re not perfect. No one is. Do your best, but don’t expect perfection from yourself or any other human, young or old. Have compassion...We’re all in this together and we need each other to be kind and encouraging.


17, 21



Just do the next right thing. One step at a time, you’ll get there.


13, 18, 21



End of August by Robert Frost is one of my favorite poems.


20



“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.” -Mr. Rogers


15



Zootopia is a good movie to illustrate what a bully is and how we should stand up to them when they are hurting or taunting other kids.


5-8



Teach him what to do and how to act if he gets pulled over.


16



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



1

At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



We are all incurably human.


5, 15, 21



Put together a PowerPoint project outlining addiction: substance, gambling, shopping, hoarding, eating, etc. Have them so the research and put it together. Discuss. Reward its completion with a fun activity or trip.


15