“There’s a part of me that’s a part of you” said a painter whose name I can’t remember. I don’t think he was talking to anyone in particular, or if he meant we’re all a part of each other. Either way, it’s a beautiful thought.


20



Don't let the laundry pile up. This lessons extends to pretty much every chore: Stay ahead of it and you won't get crushed by it.


17



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

Learn to tie knots.


10



Pool safety- never touch equipment and always have a grownup present when swimming.


3-8



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Never do two illegal things at the same time. Don’t break the law while breaking the law.


16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21



Change always brings feelings of unease. It’s easy to confuse that feeling of unease with the feeling that something must be wrong. Give yourself time to adjust before deciding if a new thing is bad..


14, 18, 21



“You will use up everything you got trying to give people what they want.” —- Nina Simone


17



Figure out a way to teach the concept of zero-sum game vs. how giving and sharing actually compounds love and goodness. Someone else getting a fair shake, or attention from someone you like, or well-earned rewards or recognition does not take away from us. Celebrate those victories and encourage others to reach for more instead of jealously guarding what you have.


8-12



Trust fall. Learn to be vulnerable. You can’t say the wrong thing to the right person.


12, 16, 19, 21



Assume any email or text you send will be distributed.


12, 15



“Your warmth can be an invitation that unlocks their own.” - Elizabeth Lesser. I love this quote because it’s so true that when you’re kind and genuine, people respond. They take it as a signal that you are a safe place for them to express themselves, which will enable a true connection to be formed. You both win when that happens.


15, 21



Difficult conversations are…difficult. If you have to deliver bad news, don’t beat around the bush but prepare them for what’s coming rather than just blurting it out. “I have some news that’s going to be difficult to hear…” Or “Is this a good time to talk?” Those are just a couple examples, but many more are available. Look it up or ask people who routinely have to give bad news.


20



Kids Can Make a Difference is a great resource for teaching little kids about poverty and equality.


6-10



To quote Harvard professor Adam Grant: “Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”


15



For a bad cut / gash, use a rolled up washcloth or hand towel to apply pressure until you can get to an ER. If you have to drive yourself or need your hands free, secure the towel in place with duct tape.


18



People don’t abandon people they love, they abandon people they’re using.


19, 21



Are they (we) getting enough quiet?


8, 12-14



SAT Prep https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/opinion/how-i-learned-to-take-the-sat-like-a-rich-kid.html


16



You an learn just about anything on Google or YouTube! Spend some time exploring together and caution about how to search safely.


9



"Tough times don't last. Tough people do."


11-14



Hydrolaunch Water Rocket outdoor sprinkler toy. Summer fun plus a little science lesson. On Amazon


5



Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength.


13, 21



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


15, 21



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



2

Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



Don’t let some dumb-sh*t’s overconfidence get you killed.


11, 14, 17, 19, 21



Offer gifts to the Lord. Maybe it's your school work, or your career, or the kid you raise, or your life in general. Wrap it up and make it a present to the Lord.


9-15