Have them practice making trade offs based on their financial priorities. For example: Pedicure or movie?


9



If you’ve never dressed a newborn before, an easy way to get the hang of it is to lay the outfit flat on the bed and then place the baby on top of it. Tuck her little arms and legs inside one at a time, then zip or snap them in. Done!


Infant



Never take friendships for granted. Show up. Reach out. Be there when they need you. Friends are gifts; tend to those relationships with love.


15, 20



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



Wipe your kids’ tears when they’re sad. Smile with them when they are happy. Hold them close when they are scared. And let them see your tears, smiles, and fears too. This is how you teach them to be a human in this world.


6



“But what is grief if not love preserving?” - Unknown


18



Isometrics for “punishment” (wall sits, arm lifts, planks, etc.)


5



Your mother and I would never want you to sacrifice the wellbeing of your own family for us. They should always be your priority. In the years ahead, make the choices that affirm that.


21



“A lot” is two words. (You wouldn’t write abunch as one word.) “Its” is a pronoun like his or hers (you wouldn’t write her’s) The contraction “it’s” ONLY means “it is.” They’re / there / their


10



Put down your phone and be in the moment. Teach this. Model this.


7



Play this every year between 12-21. https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2b593U/


12, 14, 16, 21



“You matter to me.” Is a beautiful way to express your feelings when a relationship is new.


15, 17, 21



At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16



Try out Petra Lingua online language courses for kids. (Ages 3-10)


4



Watch the political conventions every election year. Listen and decide for yourself.


17, 18, 21



A friend of mine lost her son in a horrible accident. She wrote “I don’t believe God caused this but I do believe he can redeem it.” That has stayed with me for years. God doesn’t cause suffering... He showers those who suffer with his grace.


18



Plan a trip to Disney this year.


6



Water park for fifth birthday


10



It matters more “how” you go to college than “where” you go to college.


16



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



Read up on the adolescent brain.


11, 13



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



You’re gonna be misunderstood a lot. Some people just won’t like you. It’s okay. Wish them well and let it go.


10, 13, 16, 21



Plan a few screen-free weekends every year. (Reticket until 16.)


7



Shampoo their hair. Nice luxurious shampoo. It’s a treat. In “5 Love Languages” speak, its an act of service and physical touch.


5, 7, 9, 12



The secret to getting sinks and surfaces to shine is to dry-buff them after you clean them. Keep a soft clean rag or washcloth around so you can dry fixtures and sinks and counter tops. (They should be cleaning their own bathrooms by this age.)


11



Jam is an incredible resource of fun learning activities and projects in a safe online environment. Ages 6-16.


6



Kids (and people of all ages) need attention, affection and appreciation. It’s not all they need, but it’s a start!


11



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15