Sometimes I think the best way to take care of them is to teach them to take care of others: Littler kids, sick or disabled, those who’ve been left out.


5-7, 1Infant-12



You are never too old to play in the snow.


16



Send thank you acknowledgemnt for gifts received


1-21



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



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


18



1

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


16



Universal Studios


12-18



Go as a family to local high school musical productions.


9-13



1

No threats, not even jokingly.


15



The thing about hiding is you’re always worried you’ll be see, caught, or found out. It takes a toll. I hope you never hide from who you are, or feel like you have to fake it to be liked. I will always accept you as you are, and I hope to raise you so you accept yourself (and others) as well.


14,17



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


12, 14, 17, 21



Practice having difficult conversations. There’s no way to get around being on the giving or receiving end of unpleasant news such as breakups, firings, news of a loved one’s passing, etc. You need to get good at having hard conversations, or else you’ll end up in jobs and relationships you don’t want to be in.


15, 21



May you make yourself proud every day. That’s my wish for you. (I will always be proud of you.) xoxo


9, 14, 21



Violent thunderstorms can be dangerous. Avoid driving or being out in severe weather: car accidents, downed trees, high winds, lightning, flash floods, etc. are all potentially just don’t take your safety for granted if the weather is severe, stay sheltered unless you absolutely positively have to be out and about.


12-14, 16, 21



Biographies: Be inspired.


12



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Camp Arena Stage


8



Participate in an exchange program - either through hosting or traveling yourself & immerse yourself in the new culture


17



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



Share a few of our most embarrassing moments. Teach them it’s okay to laugh at yourself and even when you’re mortified in the moment being embarrassed isn’t fatal. (And it happens to everyone.)


11



You’re not obsessed with that person you’re just hyper fixating. It’s ADHD.


12, 16, 19, 21



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


16



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



Educate yourself. You can't solve a problem if you don't understand it.


14-21



Two big things. Control yourself, not others. Learn to react less.


12, 16, 19, 21



Prayer for Teen Years ___ Please God, let them make good choices and get through these teen years with pride and not regret. ___ When they make mistakes (‘cause we both know they will) ____help me keep things in perspective, forgive easily _____and pour love into them again and again.


13, 14



Create tech-free zones and times.


10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 21



Don’t be a dick.


21



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


4-18



“A recipe for being mistaken: 1. Dislike someone who's often right. 2. Never agree with someone you dislike.” ——- Paul Graham


16