Buy “Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids” by Kristen Jenson


8



Re-Read Tim Russert's Big Russ and Me.


14



Talk about de-escalation techniques.


15



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



Change the furniture around in your dorm, apartment or bedroom every once in a while. It’s an easy way to break up a timeline like for a holiday a season or after a breakup, etc.


18



When it comes to judging your behavior at school/ sports/ work, ask: Was I fair? Was I kind? Did I put in the work? If the answers are all “Yes,” then rest well. If an answer is “No,” then fix it.


16



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



Don’t go to sleep on a full stomach.


10, 15, 17, 19



You can’t be a good parent if you’re a miserable person. Take care of yourself. Make the changes necessary to get in a good place. Ask for help. The happier you are, the happier they will be.


1, 10, 15



Institute “Family Night” a screen-free night of games and fun and togetherness. Can use these times for conversations about things you want to address / teach. Maybe make theme nights and build around a lesson so it’s fun and enjoyable. Continue through school years.


4-6



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Look into YMCA “family camp” in PA.


7



Watch movie Sky Walk (2019) it’s about a school paper.


14, 18



Don’t offer them advice until you ask questions: What does a good outcome here look like for you? How much energy are you willing to put into this? Do you feel like you’re being asked to sacrifice a part of who you are if you do this? Is the fear you’re feeling maybe just that initial reaction we all get when something is new and unfamiliar? Stuff like that. Mostly they just need help understanding themselves and encouragement to stay true to themselves.


4, 7, 12, 15, 18, 21



Before a play date or sleepover ask the parent “Are there any unlocked guns in the house?”


6-9



Plan trip to Bush Gardens late September


5



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Sometimes there’s nothing else to do with the pain except to use it to build a new life.


13. 17, 19, 21



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


17



Dream big. Work hard.


18



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



In social situations it's better to talk too little than too much. Don't over-share with people you're not close to.


15



1

Crushes are fine but I beg you not to waste your time and energy obsessing about someone. Really it’s just a way to hide, to feel something without risking anything. F that. Turn your attention to something creative, constructive or productive. Make art, train for a race, volunteer or get a second job. Discover WHAT you love. Pursue that and your people will be there.


15, 17, 20, 21



6 luxuries in life: 1. time 2. health 3. a quiet mind 4. slow mornings 5. ability to travel 6. house full of love -jade bonacolta


15, 21



Start a yearly “review” right before school year. Raise allowance as appropriate. If they want more money, they’ll have to take on more responsibilities.


8



Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter. Hush until you heal.


12, 18



My favorite Chinese food order is chicken Kung Pao, shrimp fried rice and beef lo mein. That way we all get a little of each meat.


16



C.S. Lewis books. (Children’s and adult.)


12, 21



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


7