When things get scary, look for the helpers. This is true in physical crises and existential ones. SCOTUS just passed down a few truly horrifying rulings, including reversing Roe v Wade. I’m disheartened in all that’s going on, but was reminded to look for the helpers, the activists, etc. Look for them…and join them.


10, 15, 21



Things are rarely black and white. Most situations (and all people) are complex. A nuanced approach is necessary to understand them. You can’t learn - or love, if you’re judging.


17



The more you move, the happier you are.


10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21



Don’t use a bad word when you can use a good word.


10



Read article about Digital Learning/ transitioning to doing homework on a computer. http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/it-doesnt-have-to-stay-on-the-screen


10



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



A simple blessing to silently pray over someone: “May he (she) be healthy, May he be safe. O Lord bless him with peace and joy.” Pray for people you know, for strangers on the elevator, for teachers, world leaders, friends or foes, etc. It’s one way to make the world a better place, and it turns your heart closer to God.


15



Always have a 5 year plan. Be thinking of goals you want to work towards, however big or small. What inspires you? What drives you? What do you want to accomplish or cure or solve?


15, 17, 21



Always know where the main water shut-off is in your house.


18



Consider the source. When you get information, look at where or who it’s coming from. Do you trust them? Are they an expert? When someone criticizes you. Do they know why they’re talking about and are they taking chances themselves. Pay no attention to hecklers.


15



Keep a pair of nail clippers in the car - much better lighting outside. Clipping tiny fingernails is terrifying!


Infant-1



1

It’s when the sh*t hits the fan that real discipleship begins.


21



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



Worst thing in the world is spending your life with the wrong person.


21



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


21



Talk about de-escalation techniques.


15



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



Zero-cost method to reaching your goals (academic, career, fitness and health): Get up an hour earlier. You’ll be amazed how much you can get done and how “on top of it” you feel.


16, 18, 21



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



To quote Harvard professor Adam Grant: “Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”


15



Okay algebra and geometry but other than that, spend time practicing addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. That’s 99% of the math you’ll need to know if you’re not going to be an engineer, etc.


10, 14, 15, 18, 21



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



If you’re unable to help someone, help someone else. Throw some goodness or beauty in the bucket of humanity.


16



Give them the book Starfish by Lisa Fipps.


12, 14



Ask”How can I be a better parent to you?” Listen.


1Infant-18



Letting go hurts. There's no two ways about it. You just gotta feel it and get through it. Cry. Sweat it out. Sing, run, write, or just scrub floors. You will get through it, and you will be stronger and more compassionate.


14



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21