Plastic stackable dresser - 5 drawers labeled for days of the week. Put outfits in each. No drama emergencies on school days, the week’s wardrobe is planned out.


5



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



In social situations it's better to talk too little than too much. Don't over-share with people you're not close to.


15



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



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



1

Try out Petra Lingua online language courses for kids. (Ages 3-10)


4



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



Encourage creativity, science and engineering: Make a craft station / work bench for projects. Fill it with all kinds of art supplies, engineering kits, tools, pegboard, etc. Stock safety equipment like goggles and make sure the area has good lighting. Lots of ideas on Pinterest, etc.


8



Read A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold (mother of Columbine shooter.)


12



Practice staying calm under pressure. The pop-up game “Perfection” is a fun way.


10, 12, 15, 17, 21



Give them marshmallows to suck on when they get a sore throat. Takes away the pain!


3,4,5,6



Some people have more money than sense. Just because u can afford something doesn’t mean you should buy it.


15



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


7



There’s an art to speaking harsh truths in a delicate way. There’s an art in describing a ridiculous person or thing without being insulting. Mark Twain was a master at it. Read up!


17, 21



Re-Read Tim Russert's Big Russ and Me.


14



Following your conscience is more important than getting ahead and will make a greater difference in how happy you are. Getting ahead or not isn’t entirely up to you, but listening to your conscience is.” - Senator Mitt Romney (paraphrase)


16



Look into "OK Go" videos.


7-14



Be the kind of man that people feel safe around. Safe from harm, safe from judgment and safe from ridicule.


17



Read everything Brene Brown ever wrote.


20



Test


1-2



Put your purse, (wallet,bag, phone, or shoe) in the backseat with the baby. Unattended babies die every day and it’s my worst nightmare.


Infant-3, 21



Harm springs from excess.


12



I just want to to know that I didn’t know what the $@!#% I was doing. It’s a miracle you turned out so beautifully! Just know you don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re going to have a wonderful life. xoxo - Mom


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



You can’t ask someone to change who they are before you live or accept them.


12, 15, 21



Make an album Or Shutterfly book about Mom and Dad’s wedding and marriage. Stress themes of love, kindness, sacrifice, shared values and putting the other first. Talk about managing conflict in a loving relationship doesn’t mean never fighting but it does mean fighting fair. Make it an annual tradition to read through it and talk about marriage on their anniversary. (The next best thing to modeling a happy marriage.


9



Plan a trip to New York City to see Hamilton.


15



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



Stuff will happen and you’ll think “I can’t get through this. I can’t go on.” In the moment it really feels that way. But ...You will survive. You’ll find a way. Never give up on yourself. I never will.


17