You gotta play with them. Down on the floor, at the park, in the water, in the snow. Connect through play, it will be the foundation of your relationship.


1-4



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



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


19, 21



Promise me you’ll never intentionally hurt anyone (including yourself.) There’s no need to suffer in silence, I will help you or get you to someone who can help you no matter what, no matter when, no matter why.


13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18



It’s when the sh*t hits the fan that real discipleship begins.


21



Your body will go through all sorts of shapes and sizes. You’ll have times when you’re gorgeous and times when you’re awkward or frumpy. Whether you’re having a great hair day or sporting a face full of angry pimples, your looks have never and will never define your worth. (And nobody else will ever be defined by theirs.)


13, 15, 21



Small joys are what gets you through big grief.


14, 18, 21



“Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you see with your own eyes isn’t happening.” -English teacher Read Diary of Anne Frank together.


12



Attend a Pride parade.


9



Highly recommend book about math and multiplication techniques:“The Best of Times” by Greg Tang.


10



“First things first!” It’s a constant struggle to get out of the house or complete a task. Hammer home “first things first!” After they’re dressed (or whatever task) THEN they can have screen time or playtime free-time, etc.


4



SAT prep https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/opinion/how-i-learned-to-take-the-sat-like-a-rich-kid.html?referer=http%253A%252F%252Fm.facebook.com%252F


16



Teach car maintenance: Adding air to tires, checking oil, etc.


13-17



Read Admiral William McRaven’s autobiography Sea Stories.


17



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



Failures are part of life. Feel free to fail. But behave with honor. Never do anything to tarnish your good name.


14, 18



“You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.” - name escapes me


15, 19, 21



You tackled a big project and you're wondering if it will be a success. Ask yourself: "Was I fair?" Was I kind?" " Did I put in the work?" If the answer is yes, then rest well, no matter what the outcome. If the answer is no, go back and fix it.


17



We’re born full of love. Life is about choosing where you want to put it. -xo


15, 19, 21



“ A vocation is where our anger and our joy meet.” -Sarah Bessey


16



Have fun at parties! Mingle, dance, participate in the good energy. But if there’s drinking to excess, someone needs to be lifeguard. Young people don’t know how dangerous alcohol can be. And sadly, someone needs to be bodyguard. Men often try to take advantage of intoxicated women.


14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19



When he comes to you and tells you he’s in trouble, stay calm. Ask “How can I help you?” Figure it out together. No matter how old he is, he needs to know you’re on his side. There will be time for lessons and consequences, etc. But first, help.


7, 12, 15, 21



If it makes you happy it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.


11, 14, 20



Be discerning about your sources of information. Some red flags: Too good to be true. Get rich quick. Chosen race. Any race or group blamed for societal problems. Fear of change. Threats of real or metaphysical harm (I.e. $@!#%) or bribes with reward.


12, 14, 16. 18, 21



Be extra careful when you’re parking or pulling out of a driveway. It’s hard to see little kids or pets.


16



“The flower does not dream of the bee. It blossoms


15



Things are rarely black and white. Most situations (and all people) are complex. A nuanced approach is necessary to understand them. You can’t learn - or love, if you’re judging.


17



Which line of poetry would you get tattooed?


17



Watch Ken Burns’ “The US and the holocaust.”


17



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1