Music, arts, words or dancing can have a profound effect on the spirit. Let's find something that gives you chills!


11-14



Listen to books of love letters. I forget the title but one of the Bush twins wrote a book about her grandparents (George and Barbara). Stories about real love, real life. Fiction is great too but having a real world examples of happy partnerships is gold.


18



Book “8 Candles and a Tree” about celebrating interfaith holidays.


7



Sad but important fact: You’ll never be enough for some people. Never. -Chasten Buttigieg


18



Don’t let some dumb-sh*t’s overconfidence get you killed.


11, 14, 17, 19, 21



Sometimes I think the best way to take care of them is to teach them to take care of others: Littler kids, sick or disabled, those who’ve been left out.


5-7, 1Infant-12



Talk about “don’t judge a book by its cover.” People come in all shapes, sizes, appearances. “Clean cut” is an outdated and misleading notion. Be open to who people are on the inside, they’re pretty amazing if you give the a chance.


9



Have family game nights this winter.


9



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



ADHD hack for studying or projects- Leave yourself notes about where you left off.


13, 21



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



1

You may lose a relationship but you keep the love. It becomes a part of you. It changes you for the better.


15, 19, 21



Never follow an “I love you” with a “but...” Instead, follow it with “and...” or “that’s why...” Remember this when they’re young, teach it to them when they’re older.


10, 20



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



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


16



“Tell me something you want to be when you grow up.”


5, 8



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


7



Talk about how to act respectfully and be inclusive of children with disabilities and facial deformities, etc.


5-10



Be discerning about your sources of information. Some red flags: Too good to be true. Get rich quick. Chosen race. Any race or group blamed for societal problems. Fear of change. Threats of real or metaphysical harm (I.e. $@!#%) or bribes with reward.


12, 14, 16. 18, 21



Pick a project on Instructables.com and work on it together this winter.


7



When he comes to you and tells you he’s in trouble, stay calm. Ask “How can I help you?” Figure it out together. No matter how old he is, he needs to know you’re on his side. There will be time for lessons and consequences, etc. But first, help.


7, 12, 15, 21



Just let them be who they are. Enjoy getting to know them.


1-21



Be ready to learn from around you. Curiosity = adventure. And when you’re curious, there’s no room for judgment.


17



Don’t give up on your dreams, but remember there will be plenty of times when you have to tweak them a bit…or a lot. I think of all the couples who were slated to get married in 2020. They either postponed or scrapped the big wedding for a backyard ceremony and bbq. How many brides had to *massively* shift heir vision and let go of what they assumed their wedding would look like. This happened to my friend and she cried and cried, of course. It was a big disappointment. But then she and her fiancé had the most charming backyard ceremony. It was small but so romantic.Now she says she wouldn’t change a thing about her wedding. I’ve got a silly example from my own dreams. I had long hoped to spend my 50th birthday on Maui with friends and family all staying at the Four Seasons. Fifty happened during Covid so I moved my dream celebration to sixty. And then come to find out tourism isn’t considered a good thing by locals in Hawaii, so will choose a different destination where tourism is encouraged and sustainable. I’m still dreaming my dream, even it looks different than I thought it would. All this to say, don’t lose heart when stuff happens and your plans are upended. Be honest about your disappointment about what’s been lost, but then be open to opportunities this new turn of events brings with it. There are always blessings hidden among heartbreak.


13, 17, 21



“Anger is a wonderful catalyst but a terrible companion.” - Brene Brown


15, 21



Just put your best foot forward and get on with it!


14, 17, 21



Discuss the concept that “It’s not always about you.” Some days need to be about supporting someone else in their joy - or sorrow. Your needs take a backseat.


11, 14, 17



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


17



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