To quote Harvard professor Adam Grant: “Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”


15



Beware of those forces that aim to pit good people against each other. Injustices hurt our sensibilities- as they should. So instead of bickering about who’s been wronged worse, let’s join hands and fight injustice on every front. If you get caught up in comparisons, everyone loses.


16



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


11-18



1

Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4



Watch the news together. Local and national. Today Show has both of mornings are easier than evenings.


12, 13, 14, 15



Institute “Family Night” a screen-free night of games and fun and togetherness. Can use these times for conversations about things you want to address / teach. Maybe make theme nights and build around a lesson so it’s fun and enjoyable. Continue through school years.


4-6



When u drop someone off make sure they’re safely inside before you drive away.


15



Share Brene Brown's short video on Empathy vs. Sympathy: Be the bear, not the goat. Fantastic 3 minute video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&feature=youtu.be


12, 14, 18, 21



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



Get book “Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids'Go-To Person about Sex.” by Deborah Roffman.


7



Plan a trip to New York City to see Hamilton.


15



Sometimes our bodies can betray us. Something goes wrong and healthy cells are replaced with broken cells: Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, etc. Mental health can become diseased too: Depression, anxiety, compulsive behavior, suicidal thoughts. The very good news is that good medical care is available for all of these things. That, along with the love and support of family and friends helps our bodies to heal. Physical illness is obvious. Sometimes people keep their mental pain a secret. Please promise me you’ll never keep any pain you’re going through a secret.


13



Of all the things I worry about, addiction is very high on the list. Begin talks (age appropriate) about addiction.


7



Shelter, water, Fire, food. (Outdoor survival priorities.)


12, 17



Changed behavior is the only real apology.


15



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


14, 20



Sometimes there’s nothing you can say or do to help someone feel better. In times like that, just make sure you don’t make it worse.


14, 18, 21



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


15



You are never too old to play in the snow.


16



You can’t grow in faith (or character or friendships) without learning to be humble. To forgive. To listen without agenda. To allow for the possibility you may be in the wrong. Ask for help. God will give it.


16



Relationship advice: Is she interesting? You’ll spend more time with her than anyone in your life. Does she make you laugh? Will she make a good mom? Life is long. These are the things that matter.” -Paraphrased quote from Barack Obama


21



Theme: Dignity


11



Addiction is when you can’t get through the day without something. It’s not that you need to feel high, it’s that you can’t live without what gets you high. Humans are all wired to be at risk for addiction


13, 15, 18, 20



You’ll miss me when I’m gone, but if I did my job right you won’t need me.


21



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


4



When you’re at home in your own skin you invite people to be at home in theirs too.


14, 20



Kindness is key. Practice being kind even when you don't feel like it. Let's all encourage each other to be kind always. (Or learn how to take a walk or go to our room when we just can't be kind in that moment.)


1-21



If you can afford to send flowers when a baby is born or when someone dies, do so.


21



Grandpa was a Marine, though you’d never know it. Slight in build and oh-so gentle natured. But underneath he had a good bit of grit. He never complained. He once told me “You can stand any amount of pain for a little while.” (Basically saying suck it up and hang in there until help arrives.) I’ve never forgotten it.


18