Soothe a newborn: Swaddle , shushing noise, swing, side/stomach position, suck on a binkie. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp (or watch the video.) It' a life-saver.


Infant



Wintergreen snow sledding trip.


6



When you feel like judging someone, try to resist the urge and get curious instead. There’s always a story.


16



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



Kids (and people of all ages) need attention, affection and appreciation. It’s not all they need, but it’s a start!


11



The only thing that matters is love. When we live with love - for God, for others and ourselves, that is what makes life worth living.


16



Best take on parenting: “My kid is never gonna not feel safe with me.”


1, 5, 10, 15



Make a pound of ground beef go further by adding chopped cabbage or mushrooms.


19



Life is difficult...Focus on the joy.


16, 20



The moment you lose your cool, you’ve lost.


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



The Language of the Universe: A Visual Exploration of Mathematics https://www.amazon.com/dp/1536215058/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R83V51QC1RGYVEZ4ESMQ


8



We don’t snoop. Never read a correspondence (email, letter, text, note, etc.) that is not intended for your eyes, or listen in to a conversation that is not intended for your ears. The right to privacy is sacred. Always respect people’s privacy and set the expectation that others do the same for you.


10



Offer gifts to the Lord. Maybe it's your school work, or your career, or the kid you raise, or your life in general. Wrap it up and make it a present to the Lord.


9-15



Plan a trip to Disney this year.


6



If baby / toddler is melting down, put them in the bathtub or bring them outside. A change in temperature will calm them.


Infant-4



Are you proud of the work you did today? Were you respectful and kind? Did you tell the truth and look out for the little ones? If so, I’m happy. I don’t care one bit about grades.


5



Guard your health and fitness as if it were your most valuable possession. (It is.)


14, 17, 21



Talk about how to speak up for themselves and others.


1Infant-12, 16, 21



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



Always clean from clean to dirty. Wash glassware first, greasy dishes last. Sink and tub first, then toilet. Then floor. Top-to bottom is another general rule.


13, 18



Try not to say insulting or hurtful things, but NEVER write them. (Texts, notes, emails, etc.)


11



Connect with people however you can, in whatever way feels natural to you: Talk, listen, perform, compete, create, laugh, pray, explore, share your truth, acknowledge the divine in yourself and in everyone you meet.


16, 21



Remind them there’s nothing they could ever do to lose your love. They’re so afraid of disappointing you. Emphasize the difference between making mistakes and being a “bad” person.


5, 10, 15, 21



Anger is the bodyguard of sadness.


12-15, 21



Sailing lessons.


14



Alcohol is a depressant. Never drink to feel better. It will only make things hurt worse and be worse. Only drink in celebration or community. Never to numb. That sh*t is poison. Pure $@!#% juice.


18, 19, 21



I read this quote in a blog when my oldest was little: "You will never be more needed or more loved than you are right now. You will long for the days when your kids were little." So true. These years are exhausting, but hang in there. You are their sun and moon.


2



Find one or two scary documentaries on the dangers of gambling. Watch together. Betting on sports is a big thing in some schools and I want to scare the $@!#% out of him about how bad gambling can screw up his life. Check online tools from gamblers anonymous.


15



Career is so important to your life satisfaction. Do what makes you happy. If you’re really at a loss for what you want to do for work, then go where you’re needed.


18, 21