Avoid commenting on the number of children someone has (or doesn’t have.) Its none of your business to ask why a couple doesn’t have kids or remark if they announce they’re pregnant with their 7th (other than to say “Congratulations.”)


15, 21



Relationships can end beautifully and bravely. They’re not all going to be forever. It’s much better to grieve the end of a relationship than to endure an unhealthy one.


15, 19, 21



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


17



Best take on parenting: “My kid is never gonna not feel safe with me.”


1, 5, 10, 15



I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 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



Apollo 13 and The Martian Great movies about space, science, engineering, etc. Watch together.


12



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


12



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



What does entitlement mean to you? I think it means the assumption that we are owed something simply by virtue of who we are rather than what we’ve earned.


10



Go on a tour of the Kennedy Center. Free guided tours through Friends of the Kennedy Center.


10



Just because you love someone doesn’t mean they feel loved by you. Meet the kids where they are.


2, 9, 21



Look into language school. Now is a good time to start learning Chinese, Spanish or Arabic.


5-8



Watch awards shows (Oscars, Grammy's, Tony's, ESPY's, Image Awards and CNN Heroes awards.) Be a part of your times, appreciate others' accomplishments. Be inspired.


8-18



The "work" in "relationships take work" should be like the "work" it takes to go to the beach. “Sure, you gotta pack food, beverages, drive there, park, and set up... But you get to the beach


18, 21



Explain what “On my honor” means.


8



Mindset for a breakup: “I’d rather adjust to your absence than be continually frustrated by your presence.” Can work with romantic partners, jobs, habits...anything you’re hanging on to that you know you should let go of.


19



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

Remember when you’re faced with bullies, jerks and people who say bad things , follow advice from the Obama's: "When they go low we go high."


1Infant-14



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


15



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



“Never allow anyone to be humiliated in your presence.” - Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel


12, 14, 17, 21



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


17



A red brow line is an early sleepiness cue. If you notice the skin around baby’s eyebrows seems red, they’re ready for a nap.


Infant-1



Summer concerts at Wolftrap- get good seats so they can really get a sense of the experience.


13-16



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


7



The Buddhists say “life is suffering.” I think struggle might be a better word. Struggle is unavoidable, and it would do us good to stop expecting otherwise. And yes, everybody experiences pain and loss, etc. but I don’t believe we should expect our lives to be full of suffering.


17, 21



Listen to the radio stations they listen to. Know their favorite songs and artists.


12