Go to Montgomery County Fair


5-14



Difficult conversations are…difficult. If you have to deliver bad news, don’t beat around the bush but prepare them for what’s coming rather than just blurting it out. “I have some news that’s going to be difficult to hear…” Or “Is this a good time to talk?” Those are just a couple examples, but many more are available. Look it up or ask people who routinely have to give bad news.


20



Jam is an incredible resource of fun learning activities and projects in a safe online environment. Ages 6-16.


6



This! Your energy is beautiful and precious. Don’t waste it on people who are $@!#% bent on negativity. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRxcJWem/


16



Sometimes we’re just not ready to appreciate or understand a book or film or piece of art. Revisit them as you age.


19, 21



Soothe a newborn: Swaddle , shushing noise, swing, side/stomach position, suck on a binkie. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp (or watch the video.) It' a life-saver.


Infant



Micro-internships. Check out Parker Dewey for ideas.


16, 17, 18



Rock those babies to sleep as often as you can.


0, 1, 2



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



Dream big. Work hard.


18



Most times there isn’t a “right decision.” You make a decision and then it’s up to you to *make* it right.


12, 16, 19, 21



Maria Shriver has lots of great parenting advice. One of my favorites is (paraphrased): “Children need what you need: to be seen, to be talked to, to feel safe and loved.”


Infant



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

Don’t have a clue? (Relationships / career / character, etc.) The solutions can be found in books. READ! Novels, biographies, history, religion, humor, politics, finance, sports, and whatever sparks your interests at the moment!) You’ll learn about the world, and you’ll learn about yourself. READ!!!! (or listen!)


12, 15, 18, 20



Don’t bring a complaint without offering a solution.


17, 19, 21



Name five women who contributed to our country’s history.


8, 13, 16



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


14-21



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



1

I like to say a Hail Mary just to join the chorus, to add my voice to the millions who are praying in that moment. The world has plenty of people thinking or doing horrible things, we need to add to the good, add to the beauty as much as possible at every turn. Saying a quick prayer is sometimes all I can muster.


9-19



Sometimes it’s easier to describe what a thing is *not* than to describe what it is.


14, 21



Some relationships (or jobs) are f*cked, and cannot be unf*cked. Release them and move on.


21



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



Watch Ken Burns’ “The US and the holocaust.”


17



If you want to know what girls like, read the books they’re reading, watch the shows they watch, etc. Porn is entertainment *not* education. Movies books and shows marketed to 12 year-old boys get it wrong most of the time, can’t learn anything from them. Chick flicks is where you’ll find a little instruction on how to flirt in a non-creepy way, how to kiss, how to be in a healthy relationship. Study the difference between the male gaze vs female gaze.


14



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



If you don’t know what to do ask yourself how you want to feel. Once you have a good idea of that you can find lots of paths to get you there.


16, 21



What I most want to teach you this year is that you can always trust me. I will always love you, take care of you and never harm you. You may not always like me, but you can always trust me.


1



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


18, 21



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21