Work Hard. Do your best. Keep your word. Never get too big for your britches. Trust in God. Have no fear


15, 21



Work the problem backwards. Start with the solution (desired outcome) and count down from there each step. Some steps will be small, some big. But you’ll get there!


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith.


19



May you make yourself proud every day. That’s my wish for you. (I will always be proud of you.) xoxo


9, 14, 21



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



We’re born full of love. Life is about choosing where you want to put it. -xo


15, 19, 21



Don’t Just “go along for the ride” in your relationships. Be clear about your intentions and act accordingly. It’s part of being a man. A GOOD man. Sometimes you just need to have a talk and make sure you’re both on the same page. It won’t $@!#% you!


16, 21



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


3-8



ADHD hack for studying or projects- Leave yourself notes about where you left off.


13, 21



Writing is re-writing


15, 18



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



Look for answers where truth, laughter, kindness, beauty, compassion and love are found. (Not in outward appearances or illusions of perfection. Not in cynicism, apathy or destructiveness.)


10, 13, 16, 19, 21



Gambling is designed to be seductive- Everything about casinos and online gambling sites is about getting you to hand over your cash. It’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!


15, 18



Focus on being interesting (and genuinely interested) rather than focusing on being popular.


11, 13, 17, 21



Keep your pants on until you (and your partner) are at least 18. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are drunk. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are not 100% enthusiastic about going farther.


15



Research says working with your hands is good for your mind and spirit. Even if it’s just folding laundry or doing yard work. Let’s find a hobby u might like working with your hands.


12



Have family game nights this winter.


9



If you’re unable to help someone, help someone else. Throw some goodness or beauty in the bucket of humanity.


16



Major life events such as the birth of a baby, graduations, new job, (lost job) are a big deal. Make a fuss. Take an interest in loved ones’ experiences. Acknowledge their feelings. Express a sincere interest in others (young and old) will profoundly affect your relationships.


15, 19



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


15, 18, 21



“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.” -Danielle Le Port


15, 18



The moment you lose your cool, you’ve lost.


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Better to be a little hungry than too full.


15, 21



Plan trip to Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park


17



Always know where the main water shut-off is in your house.


18



Grandpa didn’t drink coffee, but when he was in Korea he used to drink it just so he could hold the cup and keep his hands warm. (During the Korean War be enlisted in the Marines with a bunch of his buddies right after high school.)


14, 21



The thing about behavior is that if you practice you get better. That goes for good behavior and bad behavior. The more you lie, cheat, etc. the better u get. Decide What kind of behavior you want to be good at and then practice practice


7



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Letting go hurts. There's no two ways about it. You just gotta feel it and get through it. Cry. Sweat it out. Sing, run, write, or just scrub floors. You will get through it, and you will be stronger and more compassionate.


14



Check out Travel for Teens for summer travel programs. Let them choose from themes like service, adventure, animal rescue, etc.


14