Just fill ‘em with love. Every other parenting mistake or deficit can be fixed, but if a child grows up thinking it’s not loved and doesn’t have a place in this world, that is a recipe for permanent and painful damage. Not necessarily “spoil” them, but cut them slack as often as possible. Just love ‘em up.


Infant-21



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


5-15



Caps Game this year.


11



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



Make sure you always have Uber gift cards on hand for friends, emergencies or whatever.


15-18



Watch film “Radio” (2003) and talk about being brave. Teach them that doing what’s right takes courage.


8



Never post a pic to social media that you wouldn't want Grandma to see. NEVER send or ask to receive naked pictures. It's tacky, gross, illegal and not worth it. Even if "everyone does it". It's rude and disrespectful.


11-13, 18



Teach how to carve a turkey.


15



If they’re not doing anything dangerous, illegal or immoral, let them be. Give them space and independence. (Just first define dangerous/ illegal/ immoral. Then remind them that you are here and would love to hear about anything they want to share.)


14



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


8-14



Go out of your way to part on good terms whenever possible, in all circumstances.


18



For parties, collect cell phones and put them in a basket. "Parent calls only. Enjoy the people here! They're pretty awesome!"


12



Paint rocks with pictures or kind messages and find public places to leave them where they can hide in plain site. See RockOurWorldArt.


8-11



Teach to use nail clippers


7



Happiness comes from giving and helping, not buying and having.


14, 19



Check in on your friends. Even the ones that seem fine.


14-21



When setting off fireworks...Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby. Also remember Costco is a great place to buy them!


5, 7, 9



Just remember sometimes you’re there for a good time but not a long time. Not every relationship (job, journey, experience) is meant to be permanent.)


15, 19, 21



Create tech-free zones and times.


10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 21



I’m cool with “C”s. Do good work but don’t put too much pressure yourself.


14



Floss!!! All kinds of health benefits including decreased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Plus you get to keep your teeth. It's a no-brainer.


14, 18, 21



Monty Python movies.


12-15



Have somebody take him skiing. I never learned to ski but I hope he learns to ski or snowboard.


6-11



This! Your energy is beautiful and precious. Don’t waste it on people who are $@!#% bent on negativity. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRxcJWem/


16



Don’t bring a complaint without offering a solution.


17, 19, 21



I stopped worrying about you by the time you were seven. (I’m not talking about your safety and health, that I’ll always worry about!) But I knew you were a joyful, generous, kind, smart and well-mannered person. You were a great friend, supportive and fun. You would be a good partner, and would contribute so much good to society. I could see you had a curious mind, an active imagination and more than a healthy dose of courage.


15, 21



Look into language school. Now is a good time to start learning Chinese, Spanish or Arabic.


5-8



Discuss difference between foods that taste good vs. foods that make you FEEL good.


12-14



Check out teen life coach Coaching with Will.


13



If you’re easily offended you are easily manipulated. So take a breath and turn off your ego.


14, 19, 21