Stay away from anything or anyone that denies or disparages a person’s humanity. (Or a group’s humanity.)


12-21



If there’s a ever a bird in the house, close the interior doors, open the doors to the outside and shoo it out with a broom.


18



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


15, 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



The only thing that matters is love. When we live with love - for God, for others and ourselves, that is what makes life worth living.


16



Listen to The Moth (storytelling) together.


15



Trust yourself.


20



Create tech-free zones and times.


10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 21



Ask “Is there anything you want to get off your chest?” Confession is good for the soul! Get in the habit of being a place of support when they screw up. Then when they’re older and REALLY screw up, they know they can trust you to help.


8



Give books. Inscribe them. Just a line or two can turn a good book into a treasure. Great for any occasion.


17



Teen years are a whole other ballgame. Find a community and stay up with trends and news. Check out the website Raising Teens Today.


12



Here’s one definition of a saint: Someone who isn’t a jerk, doesn’t complain or whine when they’re sick or in pain.


15, 19



It’s not fair to resent someone for being who they are. We can all improve ourselves, learn and grow etc. but we should never ask anyone to change who they are in exchange for our love. And that goes both ways - never change who you are to fit someone else’s idea of who you should be. Be open to ways to can improve yourself of course, but surround yourself with people who love you for you and encourage you to be your genuine self and who want the best for you.


12, 15, 18, 21



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


15



Replace “but” with “and.” “I love you but...” Becomes “I love you and that’s why...” etc.


9



Read (or listen to) A Fragile Stone together.


15



Affection is to be shared, never taken.


14



Brennan Manning lectures and books.


19



Check out the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. A short but deeply meaningful immersion into service, faith in action, selflessness and living on a lot less than you think you need.


19



Check out O.School Originals for sex-ed resources.


14



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



Anything you wear on purpose is fashion.


14, 19, 21



Sometimes progress is slow - Keep working. Sometimes change is swift - hang on!


16



“Your goals will kick you in the shins and steal your lunch money.” -Jon Acuff. You have to fight back, even though some days you lose. Failure is part of the process. Keep going.


19



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



Checkout Bedtime Math app. It’s a tool to make math fun.


5



“You will use up everything you got trying to give people what they want.” —- Nina Simone


17



They’re not rejecting you, they’re just becoming who they are. Give them some space.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17