Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



Google earth app means there's always a globe at hand. Point out states, countries or oceans when we hear about them.


4-9



Read up on the adolescent brain.


11, 13



“First things first!” It’s a constant struggle to get out of the house or complete a task. Hammer home “first things first!” After they’re dressed (or whatever task) THEN they can have screen time or playtime free-time, etc.


4



I just want to to know that I didn’t know what the $@!#% I was doing. It’s a miracle you turned out so beautifully! Just know you don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re going to have a wonderful life. xoxo - Mom


21



Read (or listen to) A Fragile Stone together.


15



At the start of a day / project / interview / date / etc. Do this one simple thing: State your intention. How do you want to carry yourself? What is the goal for the outcome? Just take a moment to imagine how you want to behave, react, appear, etc. What impression do you want to leave with the people you interact with? Of those things that are in your control, what outcome would make you proud?


15, 20



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


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



You can’t selectively numb feelings. The inclination to drink, use, shop, gamble, etc. is real but it’s a lie that it will make you feel better. Numbing makes this much, much worse. So feel! The good, the bad, the scary. Talk about your feelings, write about them or create something from your feelings. This is how to process in a healthy way.


16, 20



Go on a cruise


12-15



Writing is re-writing


15, 18



“The flower does not dream of the bee. It blossoms


15



Reinforce this at every opportunity: “You matter.” Kids respond to this message deeply, whether it comes from a positive source (parents/teacher/coach) or people who are only trying to exploit them.


2-18



Let go of things that aren’t good for you. Anger, fear, prejudice, obsession, grudges, snark, etc.


16, 21



Go to minor league baseball games this summer. Better seats, less crowds, easier, cheaper. Great players. Kids won't know the difference.


9-15



Learn to tie knots.


10



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


14



Yoga for kids classes or YouTube


5-8



Be generous in all things. That is my hope for you.


14, 18, 21



“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



Plan a trip someplace where we can see the Northern Lights.


15



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Whether they’re young or old, try not to under-estimate people. Most people will impress the heck out of you.


15



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Make sure they have resources other than us. Hotlines for teens such as Boys Town National Hotline, National $@!#% Prevention Lifeline, etc.


12



Teach how to carve a turkey.


15



Get at least 2, preferably 3 estimates on any major expenses for home or car.


21



When you feel sad, mad, confused or in any way upset, go to a quiet place to catch your breath. If you can sit with it and let it tell you what it wants to tell you, then you become its friend. But if you try to deny the feeling, or numb it, it grows much stronger and it fights you.


9, 13, 19