Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



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



“Pirate Rules” is a temporary suspension of the usual rules. It means pretty much anything goes for this moment so we can all stay sane. ——-Loosen the rules on snacks, bedtime, screen time, etc. in special circumstances.


1-5



Pick a project on Instructables.com and work on it together this winter.


7



Teach your pets they can trust you. Take care of them. Treat them with tenderness. Teach them how to behave. (Unless it's a cat. You can't teach cats anything.)


15



Healing doesn’t mean becoming the best version of yourself. It’s learning to love even the worst parts about yourself.


17, 21



Purchase the card game CBT 123 on Amazon. (Cognitive Behavior Therapy teaches kids the connection between Thoughts/ feelings/ behavior)


7



Your brain seeks novelty. Try new things as long as you live. Take risks (but not safety risks!)


20



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



There is a cost and a duty to everything we own. Rachel Maddow


16



Sometimes rejection is God’s protection. If u worked hard and gave it your all and still missed the bus, that bus wasn’t yours. Read The Artist’s Way.


17



Don’t waste your time with anyone who doesn’t love you for exactly who you are. Move on, because there is someone out there who will!


17



Look into language school. Now is a good time to start learning Chinese, Spanish or Arabic.


5-8



Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”


14



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



If you can’t afford to tip the server, you can’t afford to be there.


15



Practice being okay with someone misunderstanding you. Not everyone is going to “get” you. That’s okay.


14, 19, 21



When you feel like you’re on fire with anger or fear, if you can’t shake it, put that fire to good use.


14



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



Actions have consequences- so does inaction. Avoiding a problem or decision is not an effective solution.


18



No one knows what they’re doing. Just be kind and brave and curious. You don’t have to have it figured out.


17



Two big things. Control yourself, not others. Learn to react less.


12, 16, 19, 21



Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4



Make a separate piggie bank together for money to donate. Talk about how we manage what we have thoughtfully: Save some, spend some, donate some.


5-8



C.S. Lewis books. (Children’s and adult.)


12, 21



Stay fit. Try to increase fitness every year in some way: Strength, flexibility, endurance, or a specific sport or practice. Never take your body for granted.


14, 20



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Ask your emotions “why” three times.


14, 16, 21



You don’t have to be friends with people you don’t like. But you can’t decide you don’t like someone unless you get to know them. (Rather than a look or a reputation or a difference, etc.)


10



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11