Check out the website Brightly for timely and age-appropriate book recommendations. All sorts of subjects and themes.


5-12



You have yet to meet so many parts of yourself. All kinds of different people, places and experiences will draw those parts out of you.


15, 18, 21



Whether it’s a kid at school or a politician on tv, beware of someone who tries to blame the world’s problems on a minority or some other group of people who are different. It’s a cheap tactic to get people riled up and afraid.


13



I wish I had heard this in my 20’s. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRtFBvGr/


20



Talk to them about how dangerous it is to buy pills online. Fentanyl is ubiquitous and lethal in small doses. Never never take a pull that wasn’t prescribed or purchased legally.


12



Resist the urge to blurt out and over share when you’re feeling pressured to say something. Have a few “go to” phrases in your back pocket. “I’m at a lack of words” or “vibe check” or “let’s take a beat.” Come up with your own. Calm, kind, respectful. xoxo


11, 12, 14, 17, 21



Meditation isn’t about a quiet mind, it’s about training a distracted mind to remain in the present. Focus on your breathing for one minute (set a timer.) Every time your thoughts wonder, gently bring your focus back to your breath. You may have to do this 10, 20, 30 or more times during those 60 seconds…but eventually you’ll get better. When you do, increase to two minutes, then five, all the way up to 30 minutes or even an hour.


16



To quote Harvard professor Adam Grant: “Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”


15



Check out Travel for Teens for summer travel programs. Let them choose from themes like service, adventure, animal rescue, etc.


14



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


11, 14, 20



Test


1-2



Watch awards shows (Oscars, Grammy's, Tony's, ESPY's, Image Awards and CNN Heroes awards.) Be a part of your times, appreciate others' accomplishments. Be inspired.


8-18



Just do the next right thing. One step at a time, you’ll get there.


13, 18, 21



Attend a school board meeting or some sort of government meeting. Attend / participate.


13



When the child is feeling upset or out of control, that is not the time to teach a lesson. Share your calm, be a safe place for them. When they’re feeling better, THEN teach the lesson.


1, 2, 3, 4



Your intuition speaks in statements


17, 19, 21



Anyone who asks you to violate your values doesn’t deserve your allegiance.


16, 21



I’m parenting as in most things, staying calm is more than half the battle. Practice keeping your cool in all situations. No yelling blaming freaking out or meanness. Calm rules the day.


1, 21



Home is where they love you.


13, 17, 21



When you meet someone for the first time try to clear your mind of any assumptions about physical appearance. Race, gender, age, handicap/disability, etc.


17, 21



Toddler years: Tater tots make everything better. The smaller ones cook faster and you don't have to turn them.


2



“But what is grief if not love preserving?” - Unknown


18



Happiness, beauty, health, fun, success: define for yourself what each of those things mean. People and society are gonna try and convince you to share their definitions…don’t let them.


13, 15, 17, 21



Just put your best foot forward and get on with it!


14, 17, 21



If you sleep with a girl, always call or text the next day. Don't be a d-bag.


18



Sometimes, no matter how great a thing is it can’t make up for what it’s not.


14, 19, 21



Give your all on the job, from your first day to your last day there. If you’re all caught up on your work help someone else with theirs.


17, 21



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


14, 18



The most attractive man in the world is one who brings peace.


21