Start explaining wants vs. needs. Continue explaining for the next 30 years. We don’t always get what we want. That’s okay. 4 year olds can begin to understand this.


4



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



Begin planning trip for 10th bday. Maybe to Atlantis in Bahamas or someplace he’d be excited about._____Get him involved in planning and saving.


8



Open a Bank Account


8-12



Sad but important fact: You’ll never be enough for some people. Never. -Chasten Buttigieg


18



If you’re having trouble finding your passion, read biographies and memoirs of people from all walks of life. There are so many worlds out there! You’ll find one that excites you, where your unique talents and skill set can shine.


19



Drunken shenanigans are part of life when you’re in college, etc. but it gets old fast. That kind of behavior as an adult is just sad. Drink responsibly. Don’t make an $@!#% out of yourself. I recommend this rule: Don’t have more than one drink at a work function.


21



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Throw some love at a problem.


12, 15, 21



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


7-17



1

Celebration and acknowledgment: Make a big deal over little-big things and teach them the same: getting their braces off, or a cast on a broken bone, a friend gets a new car, etc. Always acknowledge the sad that someone is going through or the difficult situation. Applies to all ages.


12, 15, 19, 21



Be protective, never be possessive. watch out for your friends’ well-being, their good names, that’s what friends do. But friends don’t try to manipulate someone’s feelings, thoughts or actions.Same goes for romantic relationships.


10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 21



Control isn’t safety. Safety is putting in the physical/mental/intellectual/emotional/spiritual work so you’re confident in your ability to address whatever comes your way and thrive, bounce back after getting knocked down.


14, 21



Read JAMA article by Brooke Peterson Gabster.


18



Universal Studios


12-18



Let them borrow your calm. Little ones (grownups too) sometimes just need to freak out a bit. Stay there. Be near. Don’t judge or even help. Just be there, and stay calm. Your loving energy is all they need as they work through it themselves. Keep them safe but other than that don’t help or advise unless they ask.


2-6, 17, 21



Institute a “leave by” time instead of a curfew. That way they won’t panic / speed if something out of their control happens to make them late. “Leave Riley’s house by 10pm.”


13



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



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


14-21



1

General rule for health and happiness: avoid excess.


10, 14, 17, 21



You are not your thoughts. Focus more on your choices / actions.


17



There’s a big difference between being tired and being fatigued.


19



Never any point in arguing with drunks or fools.


17



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


10, 14, 21



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



To avoid miscommunication and misplaced expectations, tell your partner what you need from them. But if what you need is for them to be a different person, that’s not fair to them or to you. Let them go and set about finding the right person.


18, 20



Just because you love someone doesn’t mean they feel loved by you. Meet the kids where they are.


2, 9, 21