IMPORTANT: If you borrow money from someone pay it back as soon as possible. In full. If you borrow an item, return it in excellent condition. I’d say if you borrow a car, return it with a full tank of gas but hopefully by the time you’re driving there won’t be any combustible engines. So return it fully charged!


12, 14, 16, 21



Knowing the “right choice” to make isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to decide then go for it. Make a choice, then make it right.


17, 21



A person’s friends are a reflection of their character. Pick friends who you can be yourself around. Look for partners who have close friendships, a circle of friends who think highly of them.


14, 17, 21



Appalachian Mountain Club


9-13



Find an activity / sport that they enjoy and support it. Get them outside and in the fresh air.


6-16



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

Keep in mind the human tendency (rightly or wrongly) to think “how it ends is how it was”. Could be a work shift, a class, a relationship, etc. try to end on a good note.


16, 21



Explain the concept: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."


6



End of August by Robert Frost is one of my favorite poems.


20



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



Be weird. Be happy. Be you. xoxo


12



Read (or listen to) The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw together as a family. It's broken up into small vignettes so it's easy to get through bit by bit.


15



Let’s talk about how we can bless people - with what we have and by how we act.


7



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


7



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Talk to them about how dangerous it is to buy pills online. Fentanyl is ubiquitous and lethal in small doses. Never never take a pull that wasn’t prescribed or purchased legally.


12



Three things you cannot change: The past, the truth, someone else.


18



“You have to meet people where they are. Sometimes, you have to leave them there.” -Iyanla Vanzant


21



“When you are not fed love off a silver spoon you will learn to lick it off of knives.” Lauren Eden (poet)


0, 20



It’s not fair to resent someone for being exactly who they are.


17, 21



Yoga for kids classes or YouTube


5-8



People always say “Be yourself.” That’s good advice but really what does it mean? I think it’s easier to explain what it DOESN’T mean: When you’re being yourself you’re not pretending to be interested in something or someone you’re not. You’re not doing something just to please someone else (or just to tick them off.) You’re not wearing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You’re not pretending to have fun when you’re not having fun. You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re not trying to fade into the background. You’re not trying to change anything about yourself or someone else. I think that’s a good start. What does “being yourself” mean to you?


11-14, 18, 21



No threats, not even jokingly.


15



My favorite version of myself is when I’m not worried about what others think of me. I


11, 13, 15, 17, 21



Girls forget a good bit of compliments they receive but they remember every single insult. Speak gently, remind them they’re beautiful. Never qualify it.


12, 14, 17



Intimacy is a feeling of safety. To let yourself be seen, touched, known, without defenses.


17, 21



No dating while unstable. Being responsible for someone’s heart means being prepared to treat them with respect at all times, regardless of whether they make you angry, jealous, annoyed, rejected, humiliated or heartbroken. If (a) you don’t think those things could happen or (b) think there’s a reasonable chance you’d lose your temper, then you’re not ready. And that’s okay! You’ll get there in your own time. In the meantime stay off the market.


12, 14, 16, 18, 21



“The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw Listen to audio or read together


14



Plastic stackable dresser - 5 drawers labeled for days of the week. Put outfits in each. No drama emergencies on school days, the week’s wardrobe is planned out.


5