***Manners!! *** Etiquette is the secret sauce. Everyone appreciates being treated with respect. Etiquette is the art and science of respecting others. It’s timeless and universal. Customs change, hence the need for constant study, but respect is always the foundation. In summary: Be nice. Start with yourself. Study etiquette. It will help you in every single interaction you have, social, professional, financial, everything. Manners apply to every human, in every interaction, even on the hard days. Hence, the need for practice.


3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21



If you don’t know where to begin, picture where you want it to end, and work it backwards.


15, 21



Become habitual about doing that which makes you feel good and yourself and fulfilled. If it’s running, make running a habit and dedicate time for it.


16, 21



“ A vocation is where our anger and our joy meet.” -Sarah Bessey


16



Plan a few screen-free weekends every year. (Reticket until 16.)


7



Bottom line bible quote: Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good.” That pretty much covers everything.


13, 21



Psalm 37:3 “Do good and trust in the Lord.” That pretty much covers it.


9, 15, 21



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


7



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Screw “achievement.” Do things you enjoy, share experiences that expand your capacity for joy and compassion. It doesn’t matter if you’re any good, it just matters that you’re in your groove.


16, 21



Never resist a generous impulse.


9, 12, 19



Staying calm is 90% of the battle. Practice.


13, 15, 18, 21



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



Sometimes it happens that what you do [for a living] is who you are. I’m reading a great book about that called The Women by Kristin Hannah.


16, 20, 21



Dating advice: If they like you, you’re gonna know. If they don’t, you’re gonna be confused.”


16, 21



Repeat after me: “I am beautiful I am loved I am safe I am free. I don’t need to be like them I just need to be like me.”


7, 8, 9, 13, 16



I highly recommend you read The Crane Wife by CJ Houser.


15, 17, 19, 21



Best take on parenting: “My kid is never gonna not feel safe with me.”


1, 5, 10, 15



“It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to grieve. Because you can also live your life, and love your life, and be happy too.” Excellent advice from 9/11 survivor.


12, 15, 19



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



Have them practice making trade offs based on their financial priorities. For example: Pedicure or movie?


9



Stay put, don’t wonder if lost when we hike.


2, 3, 5



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


18



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Always have a 5 year plan. Be thinking of goals you want to work towards, however big or small. What inspires you? What drives you? What do you want to accomplish or cure or solve?


15, 17, 21



Don't say anything out loud that you wouldn't want repeated or overheard. Don't email / text, etc. anything that you wouldn't want forwarded.


11-15



1

Encourage creativity, science and engineering: Make a craft station / work bench for projects. Fill it with all kinds of art supplies, engineering kits, tools, pegboard, etc. Stock safety equipment like goggles and make sure the area has good lighting. Lots of ideas on Pinterest, etc.


8



Give books. Inscribe them. Just a line or two can turn a good book into a treasure. Great for any occasion.


17



Change “I need to” to “this matters because”. Instead of “I need to walk the dog” say “it matters that I walk the dog because he needs exercise and to check p-mail.” (Helps!)


8, 11, 16, 21