Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



When you’re at home in your own skin you invite people to be at home in theirs too.


14, 20



When they’re upset just ask what they need: space, distraction, or talk about it.


12



Sometimes good people aren’t a good match. It’s better for both of you if you’re honest with yourself and with them.


17, 21



To paraphrase Chris Rock, “You don’t get points for NOT beating your wife.” Meaning, you’re EXPECTED to do the right thing. So do the right thing, without any expectation of praise.


14, 18



Consider what you value. Act accordingly.


10, 14, 17, 20



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



"Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves." - Ben Franklin This works with money and with other areas: Be faithful in the little things and the bigger things will take care of themselves. For example, if you don't get comfortable with telling little lies then you'll never tell big lies.


9, 13, 19



Practice being embarrassed. Tell embarrassing stories. Help them learn how to deal with the sensation.


9



Hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)


10, 15, 21



Life is for the living. It’s okay to move on. It’s okay to laugh and dream, work, to party, to rest rest, etc. you honor the dead by living your life. Everyone meets up in the end anyway!


19, 21



Check out teen life coach Coaching with Will.


13



Teach them about Oliver Cromwell’s rule: “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible that you may be mistaken.” Leave room for your mind to be changed by new evidence or perspective.


14



Set up a dog agility course in the backyard. Use household items or toys, etc and lots of dog treats for training.


8



All behavior is communication.


2-6



***Manners!! *** Etiquette is the secret sauce. Everyone appreciates being treated with respect. Etiquette is the art and science of respecting others. It’s timeless and universal. Customs change, hence the need for constant study, but respect is always the foundation. In summary: Be nice. Start with yourself. Study etiquette. It will help you in every single interaction you have, social, professional, financial, everything. Manners apply to every human, in every interaction, even on the hard days. Hence, the need for practice.


3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21



Focus on the lesson not the pain.


14, 21



You should feel safe with friends. They shouldn’t try to get you hurt or in trouble. Anyone who makes you feel unsafe is not your friend.


8-15



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



Stay put, don’t wonder if lost when we hike.


2, 3, 5



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



Universal Studios


12-18



Read everything Brene Brown ever wrote.


20



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


12, 14, 16, 21



Chemistry is not the same thing as compatibility.


16, 19, 21



Be mindful of avoiding the “race to nowhere.” No sense in stressing over school and work. We get one life!! LIVE it! Work hard at what you love. There will be seasons of busting your butt, and that’s good. Just make sure it’s in pursuit of something you’re passionate about. And I hope you take seasons of rest, too. Time to recharge, reflect and decide what’s next for you.


14, 16, 18, 21



“Be curious. Read. Use the latest tools available to you.” - Bill Gates when asked for his advice to young people in the dawn of AI era.


12, 14, 16, 18



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



Don’t confuse impulsive with courageous.


10, 14, 19, 21



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


15, 21