One regret I have is how sure I was that I was in the right. Looking back I can see now that there were plenty of times when I was the a-hole. I wish I had been able to be circumspect.


14, 17, 21



Do feel like you’re where you’re supposed to be?


19, 21



Universal Studios


12-18



Build a treehouse together


8



Having an opinion is not the same thing as having an informed opinion. If you don't know enough about a subject to speak intelligently about it, keep quiet and educate yourself.


12, 18



Talk about how to act respectfully and be inclusive of children with disabilities and facial deformities, etc.


5-10



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


6



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



“First the pain. Then the waiting. Then the rising.” Glennon Doyle


16, 21



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



Life is like the ocean: Filled with energy, beauty, scary schit, lots of interesting creatures and so much to be in awe of. We couldn’t possibly control it but we can be a part of it.


16



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



Just because you miss your ex that doesn’t mean you want them back. Of course you miss someone you had a deep connection with.


17, 21



Try out Petra Lingua online language courses for kids. (Ages 3-10)


4



“ It was my high school drama teacher who made sure I knew there was space for me in this world. Her kind words had a tremendous impact on my life. If you don’t know where to begin, start with “I see you. I love you. I’m so happy you’re here.”   -Chasten Buttigieg


12



Stay fit. Try to increase fitness every year in some way: Strength, flexibility, endurance, or a specific sport or practice. Never take your body for granted.


14, 20



Be discerning about your sources of information. Some red flags: Too good to be true. Get rich quick. Chosen race. Any race or group blamed for societal problems. Fear of change. Threats of real or metaphysical harm (I.e. $@!#%) or bribes with reward.


12, 14, 16. 18, 21



Watch movie Sky Walk (2019) it’s about a school paper.


14, 18



Camp Arena Stage


8



Plastic stackable dresser - 5 drawers labeled for days of the week. Put outfits in each. No drama emergencies on school days, the week’s wardrobe is planned out.


5



Pool safety- never touch equipment and always have a grownup present when swimming.


3-8



On grief: CS Lewis said somewhere that it isn’t just that his friend died, it’s that the part of him that only his friend could bring out would never be brought out again.


17, 21



An exercise in assumption. Have them answer “Just because I _______” doesn’t mean _________”.


10



If it’s the right thing, if something needs to be done… Make yourself do it. You’re never going to “feel like it.” Practice daily with things big and / or small without complaining.


9, 12, 15, 21



Send them outside with an age-appropriate pair of scissors and have them “give the grass a haircut.” Fine motor skills!


2-4



Educate yourself. You can't solve a problem if you don't understand it.


14-21



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Mackinac Island trip


10



You think you’re smart now but just wait. Your brain is just getting warmed up. Feed it: books, travel, music, mushrooms.


14, 17, 21



Read “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” by Dr. Marc Weissbluth


Infant