Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.


20



Challenge: Memorize and recite The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus.


10



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


16



ALWAYS pee before you sit down to nurse a baby.


Infant-1



Career is so important to your life satisfaction. Do what makes you happy. If you’re really at a loss for what you want to do for work, then go where you’re needed.


18, 21



Whether it’s a kid at school or a politician on tv, beware of someone who tries to blame the world’s problems on a minority or some other group of people who are different. It’s a cheap tactic to get people riled up and afraid.


13



Approach difficult conversations looking to learn something, not to prove something.


16, 21



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


Infant-21



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21



Happiness: Someone (or some creature) to love, something to do and something to hope for. Don’t get too caught up in the rat race, money doesn’t mean you’ve arrived.


20



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


6-11



“It’s alright to be yourself. There ARE people in this world who will love you.” -Fred Rogers


12, 14, 17, 21



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Jam is an incredible resource of fun learning activities and projects in a safe online environment. Ages 6-16.


6



The more you want, the less you get.


14, 16, 21



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


12, 15, 21



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



Institute “Family Night” a screen-free night of games and fun and togetherness. Can use these times for conversations about things you want to address / teach. Maybe make theme nights and build around a lesson so it’s fun and enjoyable. Continue through school years.


4-6



Keep stories about younger years to tell them later: You used to call yellow “lellow” etc. Ten years from now you think you’ll remember this stuff but you won’t.


2



I’ve stopped worrying about you being able to make your way through life. You’re not even 8 years old and I can see you’re going to be just fine. You’re smart, kind, curious, hilarious and so very lovable. I worry about your safety, I stress about your health, but I don’t worry about your character. I’m so proud of you, and I love watching you grow.


14



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



Get up early on a Saturday and go downtown. See how fun it is to be up before the rest of the world.


7-9



If you sleep with a girl, always call or text the next day. Don't be a d-bag.


18



Educate About Risks of Driving


12-15



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



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


12



Turn off main water line when you leave on vacation.


21



Test


1-2



1

Inevitably you will make mistakes in your career. Someone will dress you down for it. It stings. But they are doing you a favor. Thank them for it. We all have to learn, and we can’t do that if our pride gets in the way. Be humble and accept constructive criticism.


16, 21



I’m going to start you in Mathnasium or some other STEM (math) activity. Not because I want u to score high on your SAT but because I want You to be confident in your math skills you will use it every day and it will come in handy no matter what you choose to do for a living


7