Two words: Kinetic Sand.


3



Let them borrow your calm. Little ones (grownups too) sometimes just need to freak out a bit. Stay there. Be near. Don’t judge or even help. Just be there, and stay calm. Your loving energy is all they need as they work through it themselves. Keep them safe but other than that don’t help or advise unless they ask.


2-6, 17, 21



On a job interview, mention a high-level educational goal such as MBA or law school. Their estimation of you will go up without them even realizing it. Your offer will be higher. Also follow, up with a brief but we’ll-written (professional) thank you note/email whatever.


17, 19, 21



“You’ll never be alone when you carry a poet in your pocket.” - John Adams Bring a book with you wherever you go.


12, 19



That little space between stimulus and response...that’s all the control we get. That space is ours to do with. That space is fertile ground for addiction, for faith, for peace or pain. When the sh*t hits the fan, resist the urge to run away from the pain. Trying to dull it will only make it grow deeper roots.


19



Writing is thinking.


14, 17. 21



Anything you wear on purpose is fashion.


14, 19, 21



Healing happens when you give up the hope that the past could have been any different. xoxo


20



If you sleep with a girl, always call or text the next day. Don't be a d-bag.


18



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



“Courage is cheaper than Channel. It works better too.” - Scott Galloway


14, 15, 16, 21



Remember Mom's birthday


2-21



When someone introduces themselves as transgender, it’s no big deal. Simply say “nice to meet you” or “cool.” Then politely ask “What are your pronouns?” And then you know how they prefer to be addressed.


13



Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



Small joys are what gets you through big grief.


14, 18, 21



Ask”How can I be a better parent to you?” Listen.


1Infant-18



If you’re waiting on someone to change for the relationship to work, it’s not gonna work. Love ‘em or leave ‘em. But forget trying to change them. (Same works in reverse. If someone wants you to change something about yourself before they commit, don’t walk away…RUN!)


14, 18, 21



People may have all kinds of different motives for doing what they do, saying what they say. To “give someone the benefit of the doubt” means that you consider what the best possible reason they may have for doing what they did and assume that was the motive. If someone has earned your trust, even if it’s that they’ve done nothing to break your trust, give them the benefit of the doubt.


11-15



Read biographies. So much to learn and discover by reading about the lives of great men and women. Ducksters.com is a great resource. Amazon and The Learning Well also have great lists. Just Google "biographies for kids."


5-15



Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”


14



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



There’s always a temptation to throw money at your problem. But remember there’s nothing you can buy that will make up for what is really needed. And the stuff that accumulates while you try to fix the problem just ends up being a problem on its own.


14, 19



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


11, 13, 17, 21



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


5



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


17, 18



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



Not knowing what you’re doing is a lot less terrifying than not knowing who to trust.


14, 19, 21



Always wear an undershirt with a dress shirt.


15



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20