Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



Don’t bring a complaint without offering a solution.


17, 19, 21



Violent thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid driving or being out in severe weather: car accidents, downed trees, high winds, lightning, flash floods, etc. are all potentially deadly. Don’t take your safety for granted. If the weather is severe, stay sheltered unless you absolutely positively have to be out and about.


12-14, 16, 21



Piano


21



Girls forget a good bit of compliments they receive but they remember every single insult. Speak gently, remind them they’re beautiful. Never qualify it.


12, 14, 17



Music, arts, words or dancing can have a profound effect on the spirit. Let's find something that gives you chills!


11-14



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



Practice having difficult conversations. There’s no way to get around being on the giving or receiving end of unpleasant news such as breakups, firings, news of a loved one’s passing, etc. You need to get good at having hard conversations, or else you’ll end up in jobs and relationships you don’t want to be in.


15, 21



Plan trip to Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park


17



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



There’s one thing I’ve noticed that makes the difference between an adult and someone who is over 18: That person’s proclivity for reading. Books make you smarter, yes but they also make you kinder, funnier, more empathetic and more tolerant of opposing viewpoints. Travel has a similar effect but is a lot more expensive! If you want to be a genuine grownup, read (or listen to) everything you can get your hands on.


10, 14, 16, 20



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



When the poop hits the fan, that's when real discipleship begins.


15-18



Sailing lessons.


14



“Just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true. Your brain’s a little b*^tch and likes to lie to you.” -Elyse Myers


13, 21



Name five women who contributed to our country’s history.


8, 13, 16



Journal! I forget who said it but it’s so true: we don’t know how we think until we see what we say. Talking into a voice memo app or writing in a journal will help you process and grow.


13, 15, 19, 21



Ask smart questions. More importantly, ask stupid questions! So many people are afraid of looking stupid that they totally fake understanding. Even in the very highest levels of career and society. Ask basic questions if something doesn’t make sense. Start at a kindergarten level understanding of a concept then build on it.


15, 20



Get really clear about what you want so that you’ll be able to recognize it when it’s here. Get really clear on the kind of relationship you want so that you can realize when it’s not with the person you’re seeing.


17, 21



Go on a cruise


12-15



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



Read the Hobbit aloud with him. Afterward, encourage him to read The Lord of the Rings by himself.


9



I love that you got chills from watching Wicked. You were 10 and already affected emotionally and physically by music. Bonus points for listening to and acknowledging how your body talks to you.


13, 19, 21



I promise I will never snoop. No matter how curious I am, I will not violate your privacy. But if I ever think you may be in danger I will break any promise and any law I have to in order to keep you safe.


10, 12, 14, 15



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



Of all the things I worry about, addiction is very high on the list. Begin talks (age appropriate) about addiction.


7



Look for examples of people who have dealt with loss without giving in to bitterness. What do they have in common?


17



It’s hard to want something and not have it. Kids have to learn how to sit with that.


3-17



Check out news-for-kids websites like Dogo News and NBC Learn.


7