When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



The person who lives in the body gets to say who touches that body.


5



Fact: when you drink to excess you are significantly more likely to cause harm to someone or be harmed yourself. Being drunk means surrendering your ability to keep yourself and others safe.


12, 15, 18



Someone I admire is __________. Talk about someone you admire and why. Ask them to do the same. Do this often as you can. Reticket through age 18.


4



Find what you love Do what you love Be what you love Live what you love Love what you love and never look back ... Except to love.


19



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



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


11



Something to remember on those days when the kids are making you nuts and you’re at the end of your parenting rope: “They love you no matter what. They always want to be close to you. Even when you’re screwing up, they still think you’re amazing. They want to be just like you when they grow up. You are their hero. You may be their mom, but they’re constantly reminding you of your worth.”


2



Ask your emotions “why” three times.


14, 16, 21



Rainstorms are gangrenous- avoid driving in them or being out on foot. I’ve personally known people who have died from lightening strikes (running) and falling tree limbs (in their car. The mom in drivers’ seat and child in front seat both died.)


16



Offer gifts to the Lord. Maybe it's your school work, or your career, or the kid you raise, or your life in general. Wrap it up and make it a present to the Lord.


9-15



Be present. Don’t turn every conversation into a lesson. They stay in their rooms so much because they feel safe there. They’re tired and stressed out and managing a lot of change.


13



You may lose a relationship but you keep the love. It becomes a part of you. It changes you for the better.


15, 19, 21



When dropping them off at a dorm, leave them with. Cookie sheet and cookie dough. Make cookies/make friends.


15, 17, 18, 19, 21



change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



Don’t play hard to get. Be hard to earn.


16, 21



Set up a 529 plan. Virginia has a great plan if you don't want to do too much research https://www.savingforcollege.com/


birth-age 3



Learn how to sail together


12-15



Don’t use a bad word when you can use a good word.


10



Defending yourself from a bear: NEVER run from or turn your back on a bear. Remember the rhyme: “If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown hit the ground, if it’s white like Similac, frozen bear gonna send u back.” - Mamadou Ndiaye


16



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


15, 21



When trying to make a u-turn with a tight turning radius, go VERY slow. .You’ll be more likely to make it and if you don’t make it you won’t cause damage.)


16



There's an old saying that goes something like "Don't focus on how big your problems are, focus instead on how big your God is." On a certain level, that's way too simple, even trite. But without discounting the real pain you might be experiencing in a moment of crisis, I encourage you to embrace that sentiment. You can't forget about the problem, but you can change your focus, and decide to cling to the goodness of the Lord.


15



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


7



People want to be heard. Listen to your clients, even when they're upset. Don't make excuses or anything, just let them talk. They mostly just want to be heard. Once they're calm, you can solve the problem.


21



Devotion is revealed by behavior, not intention.


15, 17, 21



If you can’t afford to tip the server, you can’t afford to be there.


15



“You matter to me.” Is a beautiful way to express your feelings when a relationship is new.


15, 17, 21



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


7-14