I’m going to keep from telling them how to feel.


4-18



Big secret to happiness: Let other people talk sh*t about you. They have a right to an opinion and you have the right to ignore it. The only standards you have to live up to are your own.


12, 14, 17, 21



You think you’re smart now but just wait. Your brain is just getting warmed up. Feed it: books, travel, music, mushrooms.


14, 17, 21



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



Book “Rainbow Relatives” is a great resource to be able to kindly, accurately and sensitively answer their questions about LGBTQ families.


6



Check out news-for-kids websites like Dogo News and NBC Learn.


7



Teach tuck to drive


15



“People are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Pain comes when we try to put them in the wrong category.” - random therapist I never met.


16



Try to avoid the temptation to reach a conclusion too quickly or cling to it too tightly.” (Paraphrasing James Comey from his book ’A Higher Loyalty,’ which I recommend as a fantastic lesson in leadership - and history, and public service.)


19



Journal! I forget who said it but it’s so true: we don’t know how we think until we see what we say. Talking into a voice memo app or writing in a journal will help you process and grow.


13, 15, 19, 21



Make "place value cups" as a rainy day activity and way to teach big numbers. (google, youtube or pinterest)


6-7



You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. What’s something worth being hated for?


11, 14, 17, 21



Plan out first concert.


11



“Tell me something you want to be when you grow up.”


5, 8



Highly encourage typing/ keyboarding class.


14



If you have a goal, just dive in. It's okay if you mess up or fail. Start over, get help... but start.


13, 18, 21



“It’s alright to be yourself. There ARE people in this world who will love you.” -Fred Rogers


12, 14, 17, 21



Not all babies are born healthy. There’s grief over that, a painful letting go of hopes and expectations, but eventually parents begin to dream different dreams for their baby. You have it within you to love deeply


21



Alcohol is a depressant. Never drink to feel better. It will only make things hurt worse and be worse. Only drink in celebration or community. Never to numb. That sh*t is poison. Pure $@!#% juice.


18, 19, 21



Rock those babies to sleep as often as you can.


0, 1, 2



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



Look into summer jobs at national parks.


15, 17



I’d rather you be brave than perfect. Take chances. Fail, then pick yourself up and keep going.


18



The opposite of depression is expression.


15



Educate About Risks of Driving


12-15



Ask them to name 2 current or historical figures that they admire and why (one man one woman).


6-18



Remember: “C’s get degrees.” Don’t tie yourself in knots over grades.


17, 18



Give yourself a break from thinking about yourself.


13, 16, 21



Mom’s scrambled eggs: Use fresh eggs. Scramble vigorously. Don’t add water or milk, just cook in copious amount of butter. Add salt and pepper.


12



Read Moth by Amber McBride. Young adult fiction in verse about grief. Twists and turns.


15