Never open someone else's mail, or listen to their conversation, etc. If it's not your business to know, don't snoop.


14-21



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


3-17



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


17, 18



Success = liking who you are, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.


14, 17, 21



“If you want to be beautiful, make beautiful choices.” - (Greek philosopher whose name I can’t remember.)


10, 13, 17, 21



Don’t confuse impulsive with courageous.


10, 14, 19, 21



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



Practice "shaking off the sleepy." It's hard to wake up when your body is screaming for more sleep. If you practice, you'll get better. Get up, get in the shower and shake off the sleepy. It works!


6, 7, 13-15



The opposite of depression is expression.


15



Keep your pants on until you (and your partner) are at least 18. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are drunk. Keep your pants on if you or your partner are not 100% enthusiastic about going farther.


15



Have them practice making trade offs based on their financial priorities. For example: Pedicure or movie?


9



You think you’re smart now but just wait. Your brain is just getting warmed up. Feed it: books, travel, music, mushrooms.


14, 17, 21



We don’t snoop. Never read a correspondence (email, letter, text, note, etc.) that is not intended for your eyes, or listen in to a conversation that is not intended for your ears. The right to privacy is sacred. Always respect people’s privacy and set the expectation that others do the same for you.


10



Respect people’s boundaries / quirks. Someone who “doesn’t fly” may have fear of enclosed spaces due to anxiety or past trauma. Someone who doesn’t drink may have had a parent who was an abusive alcoholic. Don’t laugh, question or prod. If they want to talk about it, fine. Otherwise just accept their boundaries.


15, 21



Don't let the laundry pile up. This lessons extends to pretty much every chore: Stay ahead of it and you won't get crushed by it.


17



Spend 20 minutes a day watching a show you like in Spanish (or whatever your target language is) with reactionary subtitles. You’ll pick it up in no time!


13, 16, 19



Go to College results. Org to look at graduation rates. How likely is a rising freshman at that school to stick it out and graduate in 4 years? HUGE variation, it should factor in their decision.


16



Talk about how to speak up for themselves and others.


1Infant-12, 16, 21



Be generous in all things. That is my hope for you.


14, 18, 21



1

Begin again. Whether by choice or necessity, sometimes there’s no other option.


15, 21



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20



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


9-14



If you ever borrow someone’s car, return it with a full tank of gas.


20



“Courage is cheaper than Channel. It works better too.” - Scott Galloway


14, 15, 16, 21



Water park for fifth birthday


10



Porn: I wish I could keep you away from it entirely but at least I will prepare you. It’s normal to be curious, etc. but like anything else, it can get to be too much and can be very harmful, especially to a very young person. It can disrupt your healthy sexuality, ruin your relationships and even your career (no porn at work!) Also keep in mind it is a business designed to make money, not to be realistic. That's not the way sex looks. Also the women are NOT enjoying themselves. So try to avoid it, but at least keep it to a minimum!


11-14



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


21



Devotion is revealed by behavior, not intention.


15, 17, 21