A useful opening line in a conversation (personal, parenting or professional) is “What should I know about ...”. It shows you understand you have something to learn, and it makes people feel valued. “What should I know about what’s going on at football practice?”


14



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



General rule for health and happiness: avoid excess.


10, 14, 17, 21



Set up a 529 plan. Virginia has a great plan if you don't want to do too much research https://www.savingforcollege.com/


birth-age 3



Sometimes the job will require you to do menial tasks. Do them enthusiastically because nothing is “beneath you.” If the good Lord can wash people’s feet, you can make coffee at the office. Get over yourself.


16, 21



Spend time with people you admire. Real-life acquaintances, biographies and documentaries, and fictional characters in novels, plays and movies.


13, 15, 18, 21



“Pay yourself first” means save before you spend. You never know when you’ll need to tap into savings, so build it up early and heartily.


18



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



I stopped worrying about you by the time you were seven. (I’m not talking about your safety and health, that I’ll always worry about!) But I knew you were a joyful, generous, kind, smart and well-mannered person. You were a great friend, supportive and fun. You would be a good partner, and would contribute so much good to society. I could see you had a curious mind, an active imagination and more than a healthy dose of courage.


15, 21



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



Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



The more you want, the less you get.


14, 16, 21



Typically, brains aren’t mature until about age 25. ADHD brains take longer


17, 21



"The only way to work through sh*tty feelings is to walk through sh*tty feelings." - Psychologist Kristen Howe Hard lesson, but big truth.


15



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


7-18



Music, arts, words or dancing can have a profound effect on the spirit. Let's find something that gives you chills!


11-14



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1

Kitchen knife skills. Know how to properly and safely cut, slice, chop, dice, carve, etc.


15, 21



A hard day’s work is something to be proud of, not afraid of.


8, 12, 15, 20



I’m going to start you in Mathnasium or some other STEM (math) activity. Not because I want u to score high on your SAT but because I want You to be confident in your math skills you will use it every day and it will come in handy no matter what you choose to do for a living


7



Considering taking meds for your mental health but concerned about the side effects? Consider the side effects of *not* taking them! Meds don’t turn you into someone you’re not, they lift the murky fog around your brain so you can be more yourself. It’s the depression that changes you. Meds just help you get rid of the fog.


18, 21



If your partner doesn’t want to commit to you, it’s not a matter of convincing them. Even if you get them to walk down the aisle that’s not the problem. It’s not that they don’t want to get married, it’s that they don’t want to BE married to you. And that is not a problem that will go away even if you manage to “get” them to commit. Walk away or spend the rest of your life pulling them along. F that.


21



Check into Brilliant.org for STEM activities.


12



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



Plants eat sunlight. Eat mostly plants.


14, 17, 21



“If you want to be holy, be kind”. -Frederick Buechner


14, 19, 21



Build a treehouse together


8



Writing is re-writing


15, 18