"Love is nothing more and nothing less than relentlessly showing up for your people." - Glennon Doyle


18-21



Think about God as the driver of our car or the pilot of a plane- He gets us through the storm, he shows us and encourages us to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. But all the while He keeps us with him. He doesn’t cause the storms, He gets us through them. We can trust in his goodness and wisdom even when the conditions are really scary.


5, 12



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



Japanese multiplication (counting lines.)


8



Drill on stuff that will be valuable throughout their lifetime: Vocabulary, geography, addition and subtraction.


10, 12, 14, 20



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11



It’s very difficult to pull off sarcasm in written form. It does not translate.


15



Read up about the National Parks. Pick one to plan a trip to.


9



Sad but important fact: You’ll never be enough for some people. Never. -Chasten Buttigieg


18



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


12



Great article on how to explain that bodies AND brains are undergoing rapid changes during adolescence. Re-read and then chat! https://www.upworthy.com/amp/this-mother-s-description-of-her-tween-son-s-brain-is-a-must-read-for-all-parents?c=ufb1


10



Awesome game we did at preschool - play I SPY. Try with objects or emotions, such as "I spy something sad" or "I spy something joyful." To help him learn empathy.


3-5



“The more you sweat, the less you bleed.” True in boxing and in life. Put the work in. No shortcuts.


14, 18, 21



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


12-14, 21



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


6



1

Sometimes good people aren’t a good match. It’s better for both of you if you’re honest with yourself and with them.


17, 21



When you’re at home in your own skin you invite people to be at home in theirs too.


14, 20



Other peoples’ expectations are the guard rails on the road. They keep you safe and guide you he way - literally. They keep you from driving off a cliff. So if you want to be safe, and if you do that’s great, stay within the guardrails. But if you want to fly, you’re gonna have to run right over them.


18, 21



When choosing a partner I think it's less important that you both "believe" the same things and more important that you VALUE the same things and share the same priorities.


20



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



You have to learn how to not start, and how to stop abruptly when you’re turned on. Doesn’t matter how much you want it, nothing happens unless she gives enthusiastic consent, and nothing continues if she were to withdraw consent for any reason or at any time. Look up the making tea analogy for consent. It’s perfect.


14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Practice your signature


13



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


9



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


19, 21



Look into summer jobs at national parks.


15, 17



Never say anything behind someone's back that you wouldn't say to their face.


11, 14, 18



Sometimes (oftentimes) the truth is easier to find than to face.


14, 20



Visit the Grand Canyon together


18-21



Try using “No doesn’t tell me your needs” when toddler / little kid disobeys. “Were you trying to be funny? Do you need a minute?”


3