Someone I admire is __________. Talk about someone you admire and why. Ask them to do the same. Do this often as you can. Reticket through age 18.


4



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



You are not your thoughts. Focus more on your choices / actions.


17



Anything can be an opportunity for you to grow if you approach it with the right mindset. “What can I learn” “How can I turn this into a way to advance my goals?” I know, it’s kinda corny but it’s true. Your attitude is everything.


8, 10, 14, 18, 21



Check your ego and question your motives. Are you in it for the right reasons or because of how it would look if you weren’t? Do you feel like you need to be a hero or the smartest one in the room? If the answer is yes I would strongly recommend that you get right with yourself.


13, 16, 19, 21



Turn off main water line when you leave on vacation.


21



You have yet to meet so many parts of yourself. All kinds of different people, places and experiences will draw those parts out of you.


15, 18, 21



Great article on how to explain that bodies AND brains are undergoing rapid changes during adolescence. Re-read and then chat! https://www.upworthy.com/amp/this-mother-s-description-of-her-tween-son-s-brain-is-a-must-read-for-all-parents?c=ufb1


10



When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



Third or fourth grade is usually a time of friendship drama. Hurt feelings abound. Treat yourself and them gently. Hold space for sadness and frustration. The last thing we ever want to do is to change who we are (what we like) in order to fit in. Good friends encourage you to let your light shine, they don’t mock your light, or imply you should dim it. I don’t care who’s popular, good looking etc, beware of anyone who thinks mean is cool. Gravitate towards kind, weird, talented, interesting, funny, etc. Good vibes are always better than “cool.”


8, 9, 10



Parent the way you want your children to behave. Compassion, patience. Loving.


1, 2, 3, 4



Live a life of dignity and joy.


14, 21



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


8



Birthday traditions: 1) Plant something every year. 2) Birthday interview on camera or voice recording.


5



Always keep a can of WD-40 in the house.


21



Explore the magic of Deer Valley YMCA Camp


07-13



Choose to love despite the rage. See poem by Lucas Jones “ I Will Teach My Sons to be Dangerous Men.”


12, 14, 16, 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



Read JAMA article by Brooke Peterson Gabster.


18



Look into Rustic Pathways to see the world and do some good.


15



Highly encourage typing/ keyboarding class.


14



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



Gambling is a very tricky thing. It can get out of hand easily because of how the brain works. That initial “rush” of excitement starts to burn pathways, and causes chemical reactions that need to be fed more and more. Before you know it you’re gambling more often and with more money, trying to achieve that rush. Be very, very careful with gambling. Gambling casinos and online gaming know this and they exploit it to make TONS of money. It’s a scam. Avoid gambling all together or step away very early.


16, 18, 19, 21



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


7



Sometimes you don’t know what to do, can’t figure out what’s the right direction for you. That’s okay. Try thinking about what you *don’t* want to do. (See John Cusack career plans speech in 1989 movie “Say Anything.”


11, 16, 19, 21



“You will encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” -Maya Angelou


17



“Tell me the story of your day.” (Works better than “how was your day?”


5, 6, 10



Begin again. Whether by choice or necessity, sometimes there’s no other option.


15, 21



“Anger is the part of yourself that loves you the most. It knows when you are being mistreated, neglected, or disrespected. It signals that you have to take a step out of a place that doesn’t do you justice. It makes you aware that you need to leave a room, a job, a relationship, and old patterns that don’t work for you anymore. Learn to listen to your anger and make it your best friend. Then it’ll leave.” -author unknown


11, 14, 16, 19, 21



When you feel like judging someone, try to resist the urge and get curious instead. There’s always a story.


16