Sponsor a child in a developing country. Write letters, learn about their country and their life.


8



There are all kinds of parenting and mommy blogs with good resources. A quick Google search will get you started.


Infant



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Sex talk: “Forget about sex. Just play first.” Forget about making a move and just have fun. Dance, listen to music together, go somewhere exciting, look at something beautiful, read to each other, play sports, let yourself be seen and encourage them to do the same. Communicate in a hundred ways: talk/send texts/ post on social media, pass notes, whatever. “Sex isn’t the door to intimacy


15



There’s a lot of virtue to the “Let them” theory of parenting. It’s their life. Drop out of school? Not what I would want, but as long as I’ve had my say, the decision is theirs to make. The mess will be theirs too, but that’s just life. Stop trying to control everyone and everything. Give yourself and everyone else a break and as long as it’s nothing harmful, let them. Don’t try to bend them to your will, and keep your opinions to yourself.


12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



Never allow anyone to tell you who you are.


17



If it’s the right thing, if something needs to be done… Make yourself do it. You’re never going to “feel like it.” Practice daily with things big and / or small without complaining.


9, 12, 15, 21



Walk up the Washington monument. No elevator!


11



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


14, 20



Cut people some slack, everyone is entitled to a bad day.


17-20



Your body and brain are always trying to protect you.


17



Honestly I think all religions are at least fifty percent bull pucky and none of them come close to reflecting the loving nature of God, which is broader and deeper than our little brains can grasp. So pick your poison. Whatever religion feels like home, like a place that can provide context for you to explore the goodness and beauty at the heart of the universe…that’s the religion for you. And if no religion fits the bill, that’s fine too. Either way, always remember and keep coming back to the knowledge that you are so very loved.


16, 21



Plan a trip to New York City to see Hamilton.


15



Discuss the definition And ramifications of sexual misconduct (harassment, consent, etc.)


12



When they turn 18 they should have a will, a financial power of attorney and a medical PoA.


17,18



Start a yearly “review” right before school year. Raise allowance as appropriate. If they want more money, they’ll have to take on more responsibilities.


8



One of the funny/sensitive things about puberty is that kids can be the same age chronologically while being wildly varied in terms of development. Kid might be 6 feet tall in seventh grade or be a senior in high school and still not shaving. Everyone is self conscious, praying to avoid embarrassment. It’s all just part of growing up. Be kind to yourself and to your equally mortified peers.


11, 12, 13



Enroll in cooking lessons. We'll need to find you someone who knows how to cook. (Don't tell mom I said that.)


14



“For better or worse means no matter what life throws at us, not no matter what you do to me.” - Brenda Linn


19, 21



I’m cool with “C”s. Do good work but don’t put too much pressure yourself.


14



Partnership or pride…pick one.


21



Zoom out! Perspective is your friend. At certain times in our lives we have the focus turned up so high that we don’t see beyond ourselves. (Adolescence is one of those times, totally natural.) Zoom out. You’ll feel better.


13, 15, 17, 21



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



Teach them about Oliver Cromwell’s rule: “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible that you may be mistaken.” Leave room for your mind to be changed by new evidence or perspective.


14



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



1

“If you want to be beautiful, make beautiful choices.” - (Greek philosopher whose name I can’t remember.)


10, 13, 17, 21



“Love is giving your heart without expectation.” - Dan Fogelman


16, 21



Read JAMA article by Brooke Peterson Gabster.


18



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


15



Girls: does he put in the effort even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable for him?


16, 20, 21