“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



Learn to recognize invitations from the Lord - invitations to look at beauty. Invitations for compassion, for learning and for love.


9-15



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


18



1

I hope you find a partner with who are your most authentic self, and who you love for who they genuinely are.


15, 21



Think about building a career. Take low-paying or no-paying jobs that will give you the experience you need to build it. It's not all about the paycheck, especially when you're young and don't have too many bills to pay.


19-21



Change always brings feelings of unease. It’s easy to confuse that feeling of unease with the feeling that something must be wrong. Give yourself time to adjust before deciding if a new thing is bad..


14, 18, 21



Make “good trouble” as Rep. John Lewis said. Justice is won, not given.


14, 19



Be open to the possibility that you might be wrong.


12, 14, 17, 21



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



“Natural” deodorant doesn’t work. Go with trusted brands here. There are times when it’s fine not to look your best, but stinky is never okay.


13, 18



Look up crowd cow for meat delivery.


10



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


12



Sometimes hookups don’t go well. The vibe is off for whatever reason. Stop. It’s okay to say “actually, let’s just call it a night.” Trust your gut. Be kind but never apologize for saying no-thanks.


15, 20



Learn to tie knots.


10



Plan a trip to Disney this year.


6



SAT Prep https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/opinion/how-i-learned-to-take-the-sat-like-a-rich-kid.html


16



You can’t be a good parent if you’re a miserable person. Take care of yourself. Make the changes necessary to get in a good place. Ask for help. The happier you are, the happier they will be.


1, 10, 15



Talk about how choices become habits. Habits can become addictions. Describe how pathways are literally dug into the brain and it's very hard to change them once those paths are made.


13-16



Read If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Young adult coming of age story.


14, 17



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


12,13, 14, 15, 16, 21



Universal Studios


12-18



Some relationships (or jobs) are f*cked, and cannot be unf*cked. Release them and move on.


21



“Don’t chase your dreams


14, 17, 20, 21



Teach how to carve a turkey.


15



Emotional pain is just like physical wound- you can choose to ignore it but it will only fester. Address the pain. Literally talk to it, and listen to it- it’s got so much to say.


11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21



Explore the magic of Deer Valley YMCA Camp


07-13



Hike Jones Run Falls at Shenandoah National Park.


11



Don’t waste big money on little things. Be intentional about what you spend.


16, 21



Always hold the door open for the next person.


4-14



Practice people skills: Firm handshake, introducing yourself, being courteous when encountering / being on receiving end of someone’s rude behavior, offering your seat (never sit while someone with gray hair, pregnant belly, any sort of injury or really anyone who is older or who works harder is standing.)


10