Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Marry for character, not just chemistry.


17, 21



Remind them they’re safe to feel whatever they’re feeling.


2, 12, 21



There are all kinds of parenting and mommy blogs with good resources. A quick Google search will get you started.


Infant



General rule for health and happiness: avoid excess.


10, 14, 17, 21



Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.


16



Practice a neutral expression: Interested but not excited. A “poker face” is a good skill to know and will come in handy a lot!


13, 16, 18, 21



If you feel like you can’t get your act together, that you’re less mature than some others your age, I have the recipe for being a grown up: Read, travel, help those in need. READ everything you can get your hands on: books, audio books, newspapers, etc. Travel to places that are different than your experience. Keep a lookout for people (or animals, or groups or causes, etc) who are struggling. HELP those in need.


12, 14, 16, 19, 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



For parties, collect cell phones and put them in a basket. "Parent calls only. Enjoy the people here! They're pretty awesome!"


12



Harm springs from excess.


12



“Enthusiasm is the answer to everything.” - Rodrigo’s father


15, 21



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



Train for a mini-triathlon together as a family this year.


12



“ It was my high school drama teacher who made sure I knew there was space for me in this world. Her kind words had a tremendous impact on my life. If you don’t know where to begin, start with “I see you. I love you. I’m so happy you’re here.”   -Chasten Buttigieg


12



Be mindful of the patterns we’re falling into as a family. Teach them to be mindful of their patterns too.


6, 8, 12, 18



Your job is to help your kids find themselves, not to implant an agenda of your own.


1, 5, 10, 15, 20



Focus on being interesting (and genuinely interested) rather than focusing on being popular.


11, 13, 17, 21



Slip and Slide party!


8



People want to be heard. Listen to your clients, even when they're upset. Don't make excuses or anything, just let them talk. They mostly just want to be heard. Once they're calm, you can solve the problem.


21



Life is hard. But it's not so hard you can't figure it out. You're going to be fine. xoxo


11-21



People will speak or act in all kinds of unpleasant ways. Stay calm and kind.


14-21



You’ll be finished with school soon. The most important thing I hope you learned is that there is still so much yet to learn.


21



Zootopia is a good movie to illustrate what a bully is and how we should stand up to them when they are hurting or taunting other kids.


5-8



Have a charity lemonade stand. Pediatric cancer research, immigrant children, etc. Lots of problems...Let them be involved in part of the solution.


7-10



Start saving money early. Save as much as you can. There are plenty of things worth spending your money on, but be mindful about your money - Don’t p*ss it away.


15, 20



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



When baby has prolonged diarrhea and her butt is really sore, mix a concoction of 50/50 Aquafor and Mylanta to use as a diaper cream.


Infant-2



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 21



Look for answers where truth, laughter, kindness, beauty, compassion and love are found. (Not in outward appearances or illusions of perfection. Not in cynicism, apathy or destructiveness.)


10, 13, 16, 19, 21