Talk about what patterns of abuse look like. Teach them to recognize red flags like love-bombing, isolating from friends and family, controlling behavior and threats of violence and/or self-harm.


14, 16, 20, 21



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


21



Practice road-rage roll playing. People are NUTS! It's hard to imagine how you'll react when someone gets aggressive with you. Let's practice staying calm when someone is shouting and in your face.


15-17



In professional setting: Limit one exclamation point per email, if any. Definitely no emoticons.


19



People pretend to enjoy all sorts of things. Don’t assume you’re the only one who thinks drinking to the point of getting sick is just stupid.


15



For a bad cut / gash, use a rolled up washcloth or hand towel to apply pressure until you can get to an ER. If you have to drive yourself or need your hands free, secure the towel in place with duct tape.


18



Replace “but” with “and.” “I love you but...” Becomes “I love you and that’s why...” etc.


9



“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



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Pay attention to what people do and what they say. Try to look past their appearance. This is especially true for women, who are almost always judged primarily on the way they look.


12, 15, 19



Help them develop a positive attitude. http://www.momentsaday.com/10-activities-help-young-children-develop-a-positive-attitude/


5



Practice a neutral expression: Interested but not excited. A “poker face” is a good skill to know and will come in handy a lot!


13, 16, 18, 21



Consent is more than the literal


13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Trust yourself.


20



Major regret: focusing too much on being liked (or loved.) You can’t *make* anyone love you. Some people just won’t like you… that’s okay. Make yourself proud. Do YOUR thing. Spend time on what matters to you.


14, 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



Golf lessons. Grampa loved golf, if he were here he would have taught you himself.


9



“Love is giving your heart without expectation.” - Dan Fogelman


16, 21



“ A vocation is where our anger and our joy meet.” -Sarah Bessey


16



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



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


12



When you feel like judging someone, try to resist the urge and get curious instead. There’s always a story.


16



To paraphrase Ted Lasso, it’s the people who think they’ve got it all figured out who delight in judging people and events. It’s better to be open minded, ask questions. Be curious, not judgmental.


15, 21



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



It’s best not to cuss but writing bad words is even worse than speaking them. Even in casual texting, etc. Always an asterisk in place of a vowel to avoid being rude.


16



Police officers and members of the military put their lives on the line to protect us. Be respectful of them and thank them for their service.


9



Just put your best foot forward and get on with it!


14, 17, 21



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


9-14