“Parents detect fake friends. Kids detect fake relatives and friends detect fake love.” - I forget who’s grandma said it.


14



Save where you can. Spend when you have to. Splurge every once in a while.


15, 21



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



1

Doing something you don’t want to do just to look cool is the opposite of cool.


9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21



If you witness a moment of vulnerability in someone, keep it to yourself. Be respectful of people's dignity.


14-18



Healing doesn’t mean becoming the best version of yourself. It’s learning to love even the worst parts about yourself.


17, 21



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



If they like you you’ll know. If they don’t you’ll be confused.


15, 21



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


16



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Be appreciative of people’s time. Send thank you notes after interviewing and applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. even if you don’t get picked. It’s common courtesy and it’s a good way to make a good impression for next time.


18, 20



ABC's of video game addiction: Autonomy, Belonging, Control. Try to find ways to developing these things in areas outside of gaming. Games are great, but not at the expense of everything else.


1Infant-13



1

Talk to him about applying to Democracy Summer program started by Rep. J. Raskin.


18



Grandpa didn’t drink coffee, but when he was in Korea he used to drink it just so he could hold the cup and keep his hands warm. (During the Korean War be enlisted in the Marines with a bunch of his buddies right after high school.)


14, 21



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



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


19, 21



Approach difficult conversations looking to learn something, not to prove something.


16, 21



Birds of a feather flock together


14



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



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



Sometimes it’s easier to describe what a thing is *not* than to describe what it is.


14, 21



You are never too old to play in the snow.


16



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Read J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit together


11



“The only way out is to love yourself. That’s it. That’s all.” - Valerie Bertinelli


10, 13, 17, 21



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



Think about building a career. Take low-paying or no-paying jobs that will give you the experience you need to build it. It's not all about the paycheck, especially when you're young and don't have too many bills to pay.


19-21



Be thankful for opportunities to be of service. It means God is trusting you to help.


8-14



“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