My love for you will never run out - neither will God’s love / patience run out. I will always instruct, discipline and give consequences for bad behavior- because it’s my job to teach you. But there’s nothing you could do to lose my love. Remind them daily.


5-20



Ask “What are you going to teach ME?” Let him work on something to teach.


11



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



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Kindness is key. Practice being kind even when you don't feel like it. Let's all encourage each other to be kind always. (Or learn how to take a walk or go to our room when we just can't be kind in that moment.)


1-21



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


14-21



Do the work. No short-cuts.


14



Go out of your way to part on good terms whenever possible, in all circumstances.


18



Being numb is not the same thing as being happy.


15-18



American Sign Language course


15



Most times there isn’t a “right decision.” You make a decision and then it’s up to you to *make* it right.


12, 16, 19, 21



Sweetheart you don’t have room in your life for people who don’t get you. Let your light shine…and f*@k anyone who doesn’t appreciate it.


14, 16, 18, 20



Teach them what to do if they hit an animal while driving on the road. (First find out what you’re supposed to do, THEN teach them.)


16



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


14



It’s not a project, it’s a practice. (Health, fitness, keeping up with current events, prayer or meditation, housework, reading, etc.)


16



Listen to podcast “1912” about an incident of alarming racial injustice Forsyth County GA.


12



Worry less about molding them and focus on loving them.


2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 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



Make an album Or Shutterfly book about Mom and Dad’s wedding and marriage. Stress themes of love, kindness, sacrifice, shared values and putting the other first. Talk about managing conflict in a loving relationship doesn’t mean never fighting but it does mean fighting fair. Make it an annual tradition to read through it and talk about marriage on their anniversary. (The next best thing to modeling a happy marriage.


9



Do something that feeds your soul every day. Experience or create joy, even if just a small spark of it.


17



Give them the book Starfish by Lisa Fipps.


12, 14



Just love them. With all your might, them for who they are, and where they are. Forget about the other stuff.


15



When you apologize don’t offer excuses just acknowledge your mistake, apologize for the consequences, and assure them it won’t happen again.


12, 16, 21



If you witness a moment of vulnerability in someone, keep it to yourself. Be respectful of people's dignity.


14-18



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


11



Grandpa was a Marine, though you’d never know it. Slight in build and oh-so gentle natured. But underneath he had a good bit of grit. He never complained. He once told me “You can stand any amount of pain for a little while.” (Basically saying suck it up and hang in there until help arrives.) I’ve never forgotten it.


18



When making decisions or setting goals etc, approach from the perspective of your truest self. That’s integrity.


14, 18, 21



If you’re easily offended you are easily manipulated. So take a breath and turn off your ego.


14, 19, 21



Name five women who contributed to our country’s history.


8, 13, 16



Don’t let someone have to tell you twice that they don’t want you. Nothing good comes from hanging on after that.


15, 21