Check out the website Brightly for timely and age-appropriate book recommendations. All sorts of subjects and themes.


5-12



To my boys: Personally I believe the boy / man should pay when out on a date. Always be prepared to pay - but sometimes a girl / woman wants to pay or split the check. Don’t push back on that. Make sure she knows it would be your pleasure to pay because you want to show her a good time and spoil her, but that you understand that paying a check doesn’t put her in your debt. Instead, your motto should be “If you’re comfortable, I’m comfortable.” And that goes for a lot of categories including sex/ physical contact. And to my girls: Always be prepared to pay, offer to pay often. It’s a sad fact that some men feel they’re owed something if they spring for dinner. On a date you are never obligated to do or say anything you don’t want to. Never.


16, 21



Ask them to name 2 current or historical figures that they admire and why (one man one woman).


6-18



You don’t have to choose to be single forever to enjoy being single for now.


17, 21



Teach how to carve a turkey.


15



Never make a decision from a place of hopelessness.


14, 16, 21



General rule for health and happiness: avoid excess.


10, 14, 17, 21



I really want to see Totfino, BC. There’s no one I’d rather see it with than you. xoxo


20



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



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


9-14



Let’s look for examples of bravery.


8



“If you want to be holy, be kind”. -Frederick Buechner


14, 19, 21



Read “Attack of the Black Rectangles” by Amy Sarid King.


12



Remember Mom's birthday


2-21



Make a deal: flying lessons IF he takes dancing lessons. A man has got to know how to dance! In fact, tack on some other prerequisites like good grades and responsible behavior


16



Check out from the library or Amazon: “My First Money Book: A Guide for Parents and Children to Saving, Spending, Sharing, and Investing Your Money” by Reggie Nelson


8



“Human beings are linked, not ranked.” - Gloria Steinem (f*ck the patriarchy)


15



Sometimes it happens that what you do [for a living] is who you are. I’m reading a great book about that called The Women by Kristin Hannah.


16, 20, 21



Practice people skills: Firm handshake, introducing yourself, being courteous when encountering / being on receiving end of someone’s rude behavior, offering your seat (never sit while someone with gray hair, pregnant belly, any sort of injury or really anyone who is older or who works harder is standing.)


10



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


9



Play this every year between 12-21. https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2b593U/


12, 14, 16, 21



Kids who are a little different (maybe they make funny sounds, look different, or aren’t able to talk or walk very well, etc.) Remember that just because they might be different, they are never “less than.” Their feelings matter as much as yours. They like to play as much as you. Their families love them as much as your family loves you. Include them as much as you can. You could end up making a great friend!


6



You remember experiences, connections. Not stuff. Don’t get too caught up in stuff.


12, 15, 17, 21



If you’ve never dressed a newborn before, an easy way to get the hang of it is to lay the outfit flat on the bed and then place the baby on top of it. Tuck her little arms and legs inside one at a time, then zip or snap them in. Done!


Infant



90 seconds or less. No one wants to hear you talk for more than that. (In a personal setting like giving a toast.)


17, 21



Kindness + Confidence = secret to success and “popularity.”


10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21



You will never have to hustle for your self-worth. You are worthy of love and respect simply because you exist. Same goes for every other human.


16



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."


11-14



1