You were THREE years old when you caught sight of a half-dressed beautiful woman. You didn’t have much of a vocabulary yet but when your eyes got wide and you said “BAM BAM” I knew exactly what you meant. (Woman was Jessica Biel in an Adam Sandler movie.)


14, 21



Give them the book Starfish by Lisa Fipps.


12, 14



A mommy-friend of mine gave me some good advice: "Count the wins." So what if you didn't clean the house, you showered! So what if she's wearing 9 different colors - she dressed herself! Great advice. So remember, especially on the difficult days - and there will be many: Count the wins.


1



Don’t worry if they’re not listening to what you say...They watch what you do. They study it.


13



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



My love for you will never run out - neither will God’s love / patience run out. I will always instruct, discipline and give consequences for bad behavior- because it’s my job to teach you. But there’s nothing you could do to lose my love. Remind them daily.


5-20



We all have dark thoughts and moods every once in a while. That’s part of being human. But any sustained ideation or inclination to hurt yourself or someone else is a red flag and needs mental health intervention.


12, 14, 17, 21



Sex isn’t something you “score.” It’s not a competition. Whether the encounter is casual or within a committed relationship it’s something that is shared.


16, 19, 20



“Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.”


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21



Help him write a letter to someone in power if he has a question or concern about something he sees going on in the world.


7-11



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


11, 13, 17, 21



Emphasize "First things first." Distraction is always a challenge. Redirect focus to first things first.


5



Cotillion and other social clubs abound in our area. They usually start around 5th or 6th grade. start looking into what might be a good fit. Lay the ground work that they will attend.


1Infant-12



Teach tuck to drive


15



Keep going. Push yourself. The struggle makes it all the more worth it.


17, 21



Consent is more than the literal


13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Birds of a feather flock together


14



Marry for character, not just chemistry.


17, 21



If you’re easily offended you are easily manipulated. So take a breath and turn off your ego.


14, 19, 21



My favorite actor was Robin Williams.


19



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



“The Guy in the Glass” poem by Dale Wimbrow_______ When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,__ And the world makes you King for a day,___ Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,___ And see what that guy has to say. ____ For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,____ Who judgement upon you must pass. The feller whose verdict counts most in your life____ Is the guy staring back from the glass. He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear up to the end, And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend. You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum, And think you’re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.


15



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read." ~ James Baldwin


14, 19



Sponsor a child in a developing country. Write letters, learn about their country and their life.


8



Seek / Accept job offers that teach you something valuable. Now isn’t the time in your life to worry about the money or status. Get experience! Have fun, learn, grow, challenge yourself and try new things.


15-20



Compassion: Acting with love when faced with another’s suffering.


16



Which line of poetry would you get tattooed?


17



Stuff will happen and you’ll think “I can’t get through this. I can’t go on.” In the moment it really feels that way. But ...You will survive. You’ll find a way. Never give up on yourself. I never will.


17



1

Drills (Writing pages of lines, grammar games,etc) Contractions, pronouns, commonly misspelled words, homophones like their and they’re, etc.) Drill drill drill! Written communication is so important and a simple mistake could cost big points at work.)


12