Book recommendation: “Star Fish” by Lisa Fipps.


11



Uplift your friends and surround yourself with friends who uplift you. In person and online. Encourage each other to let your lights shine brightly. Never bully or steal someone’s joy.


11, 15, 18, 20



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Read maps.


9-14



The mind replays what the heart wants to heal.


16



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” - Eleanor Roosevelt


13, 19



“Praise in public. Discipline in private.” This is good advice for when you’re a parent and for when you’re a boss.


20



If they’re not doing anything dangerous, illegal or immoral, let them be. Give them space and independence. (Just first define dangerous/ illegal/ immoral. Then remind them that you are here and would love to hear about anything they want to share.)


14



Theme: Dignity


11



Caps Game this year.


11



What’s the Mark Twain quote about it’s not what you don’t know that gets you into trouble it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t true.


13, 21



Harm springs from excess.


12



My Nana, born around 1913, used to decry “some people think the world owes them a living.” A hundred years later I agree. Nothing worse than entitlement.


13, 15, 21



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



Default to "nice guy." Meaning it should require something significant for you NOT to be nice. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Cut them (and yourself) some slack. Life is hard. We're all in this together.


12



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


14



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



You don’t have to lower your standards, just lower your walls.


12, 15, 21



Yes, you’re beautiful. But that’s not ALL you are. And it isn’t all that’s expected of you. Surely you could “get by” on your looks. Is that what you want for yourself?


10, 15



Tragedy may occur in your life, but it does not need to define your life. YOU get to do that...through the choices you make. _______I know you’ll make good ones. xo


19



“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” - Ernest Hemingway


12, 15, 21



Don’t be afraid of work.


12, 17, 21



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


14, 17



Figure out a way to teach the concept of zero-sum game vs. how giving and sharing actually compounds love and goodness. Someone else getting a fair shake, or attention from someone you like, or well-earned rewards or recognition does not take away from us. Celebrate those victories and encourage others to reach for more instead of jealously guarding what you have.


8-12



When you have no idea what you’re doing, just be kind. Be brave. Think critically and make the best decisions you can in the moment. If possible, find resources to learn what you need to know. Ask for help if help is available. Do your best and don’t sweat it.


18



Plants eat sunlight. Eat mostly plants.


14, 17, 21



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



Just let them be who they are. Enjoy getting to know them.


1-21