Toddler not interested in food? Hand them a random kitchen gadget to play with while you’re feeding them dinner, they’ll eat more if distracted.


1,2



“Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” Fr. Richard Rohr


14



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Whatever your first knee-jerk reaction is, it’s not always the right one. Sleep on it.


14, 17, 21



Sex: There's no single way to do it "right" but there are lots of ways to do it wrong. Not being respectful and tender towards your partner is usually at the root of "wrong" ways to do it. Also, there is no rush. You may think all your friends are "doing it." They're not. Take your time.


16



Spend time with people you admire, in person and biographies, documentaries, novels and movies.


14-17, 21



Just focus on shining on your own terms. Your shine is not dependent on anyone or anything else.


15



Remember: “C’s get degrees.” Don’t tie yourself in knots over grades.


17, 18



Stand up (or sit up) straight in photos. Don’t slouch or lean. (You can touch or be close but don’t lean in.)


12, 14, 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



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



2

Let your toddler brush your teeth. Goes a long way to them letting you brush theirs and it gives them a sense of autonomy and control.


2,3,4



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



Eat with purpose, not for it. Sometimes the purpose is fuel, sometimes celebration. Eat accordingly!


19, 21



Staying calm is 90% of the battle. Practice.


13, 15, 18, 21



Be yourself. No need to pretend to like something the crowd is doing. Half of them are probably just as unenthused as you are but are afraid to say so.


12, 15



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



Practice sitting still and quiet. Make it a game. Helps with focus and impulsivity.


4-7



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


11, 13, 17, 21



Consider what you value. Act accordingly.


10, 14, 17, 20



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



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


14, 19



My mom used to say that one thing her mom taught her was no matter how poor they were they always had a clean house. She made sure of it.


18



Never make someone feel bad for liking something. Not your kids, your friends or colleagues. Joy is a beautiful thing. Cherish it in yourself and in others.


8, 9, 12



My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



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


15, 21



When you see someone in military uniform, thank them for their service. Hold the door open for them, etc. If they are behind you in line at Starbucks, pay for their coffee. At the very least, look them in the eye and smile - they’ve made a tremendous sacrifice and you should acknowledge that.


12, 16, 21



Mom’s scrambled eggs: Use fresh eggs. Scramble vigorously. Don’t add water or milk, just cook in copious amount of butter. Add salt and pepper.


12