Awesome game we did at preschool - play I SPY. Try with objects or emotions, such as "I spy something sad" or "I spy something joyful." To help him learn empathy.


3-5



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


17



Start a yearly “review” right before school year. Raise allowance as appropriate. If they want more money, they’ll have to take on more responsibilities.


8



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



“I don’t give a rat’s $@!#% how much respect u garner out in the world if you don’t show respect and love and serve those you love at home.” ____loosely quoted from Glennon Doyle’s ‘Untamed.’


14, 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



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


10, 14, 21



“If we could see our prayers we would never stop praying.” - Bunmi Laditan, by way of her angel.


11, 17



It’s okay to feel jealous. Totally normal, totally human. Just never act on jealousy.


12, 14, 16, 19, 21



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



Devotion is revealed by behavior, not intention.


15, 17, 21



I wish I had heard this in my 20’s. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRtFBvGr/


20



A red brow line is an early sleepiness cue. If you notice the skin around baby’s eyebrows seems red, they’re ready for a nap.


Infant-1



When COVID started my first thought was “Holy sh*t Trump is going to cancel the 2020 election because of pandemic.” Thank God I was wrong.


15



Unkind people are unhappy people.


8, 18



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

“But what is grief if not love preserving?” - Unknown


18



Do something that feeds your soul every day. Experience or create joy, even if just a small spark of it.


17



Read “Spare” by Prince Harry.


20



Always keep a can of WD-40 in the house.


21



Connect with people however you can, in whatever way feels natural to you: Talk, listen, perform, compete, create, laugh, pray, explore, share your truth, acknowledge the divine in yourself and in everyone you meet.


16, 21



Putting up the Christmas tree the weekend or next after Thanksgiving, then watching Polar Express in the glow of the lights. Maybe the smell of gingerbread cookies baking too.


5-9



Pray for the courage to be yourself.


10, 13, 15, 17, 21



It’s fine to keep it simple when you pray: Thank You for __ I’m sorry for ___ Help me with ____ Keep _____ close to you You are awesome! I trust you.


14



Toast your wife at every occasion.


21



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


14



There is so much darkness in the world - keep pushing back against it every way you can. Be a force for good.


14, 16, 21



When it comes to conflict- what is your part in things?


15, 21