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



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



On days when you wake up tired, sick or just not ready to deal with the morning, just get up and take a shower. Turn up the music. Rally!


17-21



Save where you can. Spend when you have to. Splurge every once in a while.


15, 21



Let's find little ways to practice self-control and build that muscle.


11



“If you can’t figure something out, figure out how to figure it out.” - Paul Graham


18



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



Go to Montgomery County Fair


5-14



“Never be sorry for not knowing


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

Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith.


19



“People are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Pain comes when we try to put them in the wrong category.” - random therapist I never met.


16



A useful opening line in a conversation (personal, parenting or professional) is “What should I know about ...”. It shows you understand you have something to learn, and it makes people feel valued. “What should I know about what’s going on at football practice?”


14



Zoom out! Perspective is your friend. At certain times in our lives we have the focus turned up so high that we don’t see beyond ourselves. (Adolescence is one of those times, totally natural.) Zoom out. You’ll feel better.


13, 15, 17, 21



Check out the website Brightly for timely and age-appropriate book recommendations. All sorts of subjects and themes.


5-12



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



1

Go to Planet Word and do the Lexicon Lane puzzle experience.


12



Put your purse, (wallet,bag, phone, or shoe) in the backseat with the baby. Unattended babies die every day and it’s my worst nightmare.


Infant-3, 21



Read Prefontaine.


13



Don’t be a dick.


21



Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



Make sure you always have Uber gift cards on hand for friends, emergencies or whatever.


15-18



Your job is to help your kids find themselves, not to implant an agenda of your own.


1, 5, 10, 15, 20



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20



Find an activity / sport that they enjoy and support it. Get them outside and in the fresh air.


6-16



Rain, snow or sleet...Always return the shopping cart to the proper spot in the parking lot.


17



If it costs you your peace it’s too expensive.


19



Explain the concept: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


6



Take the family on periodic “spending fasts.” As an exercise, go a day, a weekend or a week without spending any money. Make due with what you have. Encourage participation. Tie in spending fasts with holidays, lent or in support of a cause.


7



When you feel hopeless that’s when you know it’s time to seek help. It’s a red flag in someone’s demeanor. Notify parents if you notice this feeling of deep despair in yourself or someone you know. Help really does help.


13, 15, 17, 19, 21