When the child is feeling upset or out of control, that is not the time to teach a lesson. Share your calm, be a safe place for them. When they’re feeling better, THEN teach the lesson.


1, 2, 3, 4



Book “8 Candles and a Tree” about celebrating interfaith holidays.


7



The Golden Rule is wrong. At least when it comes to relationships and especially when it comes to parenting. Instead of treating someone how you’d want to be treated, treat them how THEY’D want to be treated.__ Learn what THEY need to feel safe and loved, how THEY express big feelings like fear, anxiety, anger and frustration.___ Instead of assuming the friend/partner/child /coworker wants to be treated how you’d want to be, take the time to learn about them. Then when someone you love is in distress you can respond to them in the way they need. ___(Lesson learned from reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Great book. A little preachy but push past that. )


1, 13, 19



When you’re trying to make a positive change and you get sidetracked- don’t fret. Get right back to it as soon as possible. If you backslide into a bad habit, or blow your diet, etc. start back eating right with your next meal (not the next year/ month/week or even next day.) It’s not the falling off the wagon that hurts your progress, it’s the STAYING off the wagon. Everyone flubs-up sometimes. Don’t quit striving toward your goal because you slipped up. Get right back to it!!


14, 17, 21



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


6



1

“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



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



Universal Studios


12-18



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



Ask”How can I be a better parent to you?” Listen.


1Infant-18



"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world." - Paul Farmer


15, 21



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



Quit trying to uncrazy the crazies


17, 21



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



What problem do you want to solve in the world?


1Infant-14



Quoting Sarah Bessel: “One of the best things Jen Hatmaker has taught me about raising big kids: if they get on the roller coaster of Big Emotions, my main first job is to stay on the platform. I am NOT to get in the car and ride up


12



Everybody emits energy. What sort of energy do you want to put out into the universe? Your thoughts, actions, prayers, struggles, laughter, etc. that’s all you. Your energy is all your own. Spend some time thinking about what kind of aura to want to have.


17



“For better or worse means no matter what life throws at us, not no matter what you do to me.” - Brenda Linn


19, 21



If you ever borrow someone’s car, return it with a full tank of gas.


20



Rock those babies to sleep as often as you can.


0, 1, 2



Isometrics for “punishment” (wall sits, arm lifts, planks, etc.)


5



Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



Sometimes procrastination is part of the process. Eventually though, doing the thing is easier than stressing over it or hiding from it.


10. 12, 15, 21



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

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


14-17, 21



There is nothing “basic” about basic human dignity. Never treat a person as though they are put on this earth for your amusement. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity because we’re all human beings. No matter their age, looks, status, even past wrongdoing, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.


14



Don't let the laundry pile up. This lessons extends to pretty much every chore: Stay ahead of it and you won't get crushed by it.


17



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


17



Talk about how to "go the extra mile."


14



Toddler years: Tater tots make everything better. The smaller ones cook faster and you don't have to turn them.


2