change the wifi password often. Hold it hostage until chores are done. Work first, play later.


9-14



This Coda is my creation. It’s what I wanted to accomplish as a parent. What you do with it is entirely up to you. I hope you never feel like you have to do the same. Make your own way. Make yourself proud. If you’re happy, I’m happy.


21



Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Unless you're a lifeguard. ;)


16, 21



Be respectful with regard to how you treat girls:. How you talk to them, how you talk about them, and even how you think about them.


11-14



“It’s best if we don’t speak for a while.” Practice it


19, 21



Try not to say insulting or hurtful things, but NEVER write them. (Texts, notes, emails, etc.)


11



“There’s a part of me that’s a part of you” said a painter whose name I can’t remember. I don’t think he was talking to anyone in particular, or if he meant we’re all a part of each other. Either way, it’s a beautiful thought.


20



There IS such a thing as coming on too strong. Err on the side of leaving them wanting more.


15, 18, 21



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


5



The secret to getting sinks and surfaces to shine is to dry-buff them after you clean them. Keep a soft clean rag or washcloth around so you can dry fixtures and sinks and counter tops. (They should be cleaning their own bathrooms by this age.)


11



Great quote from a divorce coach: “Your life is bigger than one man.” Your life IS bigger than one relationship. Or one job.


16, 18, 21



When backing up a trailer, put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go.


19



Girls: does he put in the effort even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for him?


16, 20, 21



No matter how successful you become you’re still expected to act with integrity and respect.


14, 18, 21



My theory is that it’s pointless to chase love. You’ll never catch it. Focus on DOING what you love. When you’re being who you’re meant to be, you’ll find the one you’re meant to love. That way, love chases YOU! And love always wins. ❤️


16



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



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


5



Control isn’t safety. Safety is putting in the physical/mental/intellectual/emotional/spiritual work so you’re confident in your ability to address whatever comes your way and thrive, bounce back after getting knocked down.


14, 21



Be on the lookout for people who are not included and reach out. There was a girl in my 8th grade class who was pregnant. Nobody talked to her, including me. Looking back, I regret that deeply. How scared and alone she must have been. She could have used a friend. I wish I would have asked her to sit by me at lunch or talked to her about homework or something.


11-13



Sometimes you have to put aside how you feel about a person and objectively look at how their actions show how they feel about *you.*


16



Love isn’t enough but it’s a great start.


21



The problems with pornography: When you’re young and have yet formed a basis for healthy and mutually satisfying sexual relationships, your brain doesn’t know what to do with that input. It becomes part of your brain, imprinted as normal or the way sex should be. When you’re older, the brain can see something that’s outrageous and recognize it and discard it. Also it’s incredibly misogynistic, will do horrible things for the way you see women. While some is fairly harmless and totally normal, even too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Too much of a bad thing is disastrous.


11, 12, 13, 14, 15



Pour energy into what’s right with you and see what happens.


20, 21



Explain the concept: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


6



You always have a choice. Always.


15, 19, 21



Find an activity / sport that they enjoy and support it. Get them outside and in the fresh air.


6-16



Theme: Dignity


11



Action is the antidote to anxiety.


12, 14, 17, 21



Don’t bring a complaint without offering a solution.


17, 19, 21



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21