Teach them about the law and how it applies to them: Here's what happens if you hurt someone, steal, drive drunk, use or sell drugs, sexting, etc.


12



Okay algebra and geometry but other than that, spend time practicing addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. That’s 99% of the math you’ll need to know if you’re not going to be an engineer, etc.


10, 14, 15, 18, 21



Avoid love bombing.


15, 17, 21



In marriage there will be times or occasions when one of you will be “pilot” and the other “copilot” (depending on skills, abilities, circumstances, etc.) Both pilot and copilot are good! But never be a “passenger” in a relationship.


21



Read or listen to The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest.


17, 21



Keep stories about younger years to tell them later: You used to call yellow “lellow” etc. Ten years from now you think you’ll remember this stuff but you won’t.


2



Remember Mom's birthday


2-21



Encourage others!!!


13



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


11-18



1

You can’t be a good parent if you’re a miserable person. Take care of yourself. Make the changes necessary to get in a good place. Ask for help. The happier you are, the happier they will be.


1, 10, 15



Something to remember on those days when the kids are making you nuts and you’re at the end of your parenting rope: “They love you no matter what. They always want to be close to you. Even when you’re screwing up, they still think you’re amazing. They want to be just like you when they grow up. You are their hero. You may be their mom, but they’re constantly reminding you of your worth.”


2



I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



“I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible that you may be mistaken.” - Oliver Cromwell ……. Great example of this is the story of Dr. Anthony Fauci with regard to his HIV/$@!#% research and corresponding dealings with the gay community. They started out adversarial but Fauci wasn’t above hearing their concerns and working together. Life-saving drugs got approved as a result. Dr. Fauci is one of my heroes. Huge brain, big heart and tiny ego.


15



"Love is nothing more and nothing less than relentlessly showing up for your people." - Glennon Doyle


18-21



You don’t have to look for love. You definitely don’t have to audition for it. All you need to do is be the most “you” you can be. And if you have no idea what you love or who you are…congratulations! Figuring it out will be the best part.


13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21



“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as remaining where you no longer belong, or where you’re unable to be yourself and thrive.” Mandy Hall (paraphrased.)


21



Look into summer jobs at national parks.


15, 17



Teach them that when we hear sirens it means someone is in trouble but help is on the way.


2-5



Remember the tool of “Yes. But first...” Kids ask for things they want ALL DAY. To avoid saying”no” all day, (and avoid tantrums) don’t say no. Little One doesn’t touch her dinner except for the applesauce. Then she asks “Mommy can I have more applesauce?” Tell her “Yes!” “After you finish your meat and vegetables.”


2



Birthday traditions: 1) Plant something every year. 2) Birthday interview on camera or voice recording.


5



Ask yourself "What kind of man do I want to be?"


14-21



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



Actions have consequences- so does inaction. Avoiding a problem or decision is not an effective solution.


18



Google the “tea metaphor” for a discussion about consent.


17



Caps Game this year.


11



Unkind people are unhappy people.


8, 18



Tragedy may occur in your life, but it does not need to define your life. YOU get to do that...through the choices you make. _______I know you’ll make good ones. xo


19



Have family game nights this winter.


9



“You have to meet people where they are. Sometimes, you have to leave them there.” -Iyanla Vanzant


21



The person who lives in the body gets to say who touches that body.


5