“Beer muscles” is when guys gain a sense of indestructibility, an exaggerated sense of their own strength. Fights and aggressive behavior ensues.


15



Look into a class for meditation for kids. I read an article on a Baltimore elementary school that replaced detention with meditation and had amazing success.


6



Read poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. (“...You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves...”)


17



“Success is liking who you are, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou


13, 15, 21



Teach them about the law and how it applies to them: Here's what happens if you hurt someone, steal, drive drunk, use or sell drugs, sexting, etc.


12



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



Talk about the difference between not feeling comfortable and not feeling safe.


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



Start something new and let yourself revel in being bad at it. Paint badly, dance badly, write badly, play badly. Keep at it, and don’t let yourself get discouraged. Eventually you’ll be good at it!


15, 21



I’d rather you be brave than perfect. Take chances. Fail, then pick yourself up and keep going.


18



Mallomars in Christmas stockings. Mom NEVER buys Mallomars. But Santa does. (Reticket x 15 years.)


4



Always remember - cheesecake is the best cake.


21



YouTube Hank Green “Study Hall.” It talks about navigating the mess of college and career choices, like choosing a major (and what a major is!) What interests align with which majors, etc.


12, 15, 16



You don’t owe me a thing. Live your life as you will. I will always love you.


18, 21



Give books. Inscribe them. Just a line or two can turn a good book into a treasure. Great for any occasion.


17



Apollo 13 and The Martian Great movies about space, science, engineering, etc. Watch together.


12



You think you’re smart now but just wait. Your brain is just getting warmed up. Feed it: books, travel, music, mushrooms.


14, 17, 21



The universe is cheering for you!


14, 16, 18, 20



Just for the record, I didn’t vote for Trump. I want my great-grandchildren to know that.


18



1

Never resist a generous impulse.


9, 12, 19



Technology doesn’t remove the expectation of good behavior. Be mindful of your manners (and all of our collective humanity) when posting on social media. And no anonymous trolling. If you’re not prepared to sign your name to what you’re putting out there, that’s a good indication you shouldn’t be doing it.


13, 20



My mom did laundry twice a week: Tuesdays and Saturdays. She separated colors! It never piled up and we all had clean clothes. I do laundry daily, it's never done and we can't find what we need. Ask Grandma what was her secret to the science of laundry. Because it's now your job to do all your own laundry!


14



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



1

Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith.


19



Practice sitting and standing "like a statue" to teach them how to be still. Start with a goal of 5 or 10 seconds, gradually move to 2 minutes. Same thing for "silent game" to teach them how to stay quiet when they need to. Bribery helps teaching this concept!


3-4



“You matter to me.” Is a beautiful way to express your feelings when a relationship is new.


15, 17, 21



The most important things I can teach you is how to love and be loved


14, 19, 21



No one knows what they’re doing. Just be kind and brave and curious. You don’t have to have it figured out.


17



Tragedy may occur in your life, but it does not need to define your life. YOU get to do that...through the choices you make. _______I know you’ll make good ones. xo


19