“When it comes to consequences, don’t speak what you won’t serve.” Meaning don’t threaten any punishment you’re not willing to enforce. This is helpful in terms of teaching the child a lesson and also an important lesson in not shooting yourself in the foot. (I took away your tv one day you were home on a snow day. Bad idea. That punishment was against my own interest! I got no work done.


2



Not all babies are born healthy. There’s grief over that, a painful letting go of hopes and expectations, but eventually parents begin to dream different dreams for their baby. You have it within you to love deeply


21



Big secret to happiness: Let other people talk sh*t about you. They have a right to an opinion and you have the right to ignore it. The only standards you have to live up to are your own.


12, 14, 17, 21



You can love someone and still not tolerate their abuse. Protect your peace and safety.


17, 21



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


18



Check into Brilliant.org for STEM activities.


12



Depression can look a lot like a bad attitude. Try reacting to his chronic edginess with “Sounds like you’re in pain. You can come to me about anything, any time.”


15



“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” - Ernest Hemingway


12, 15, 21



Listen to Celebrate Calm podcasts for help dealing with defiance.


4, 9, 15



A person’s friends are a reflection of their character. Pick friends who you can be yourself around. Look for partners who have close friendships, a circle of friends who think highly of them.


14, 17, 21



Resentment is a sign you are giving too much and are in need of replenishment. It’s a good example of how even the “negative” emotions are on your side, interpreting your experience in the world.


16, 18, 21



Sometimes it happens that what you do [for a living] is who you are. I’m reading a great book about that called The Women by Kristin Hannah.


16, 20, 21



Visit Aunt Janet in Morehead City for Seafood Festival in October


2-99



Your good name is the most important credential you’ll ever have. Act with integrity in all things, that ben if it means short-term pain. Build a reputation for honesty, dependability and trustworthiness.


14, 17, 20



Put your purse, (wallet,bag, phone, or shoe) in the backseat with the baby. Unattended babies die every day and it’s my worst nightmare.


Infant-3, 21



I want to talk about when NOT to join in. Friends are great and feeling like we belong feels so good. But there are times I hope you muster the courage not to go along: Never cause anyone or anything pain in order to be liked. Don't confuse cruelty for humor. Never participate in things that may cause harm to yourself or others. Can you think of some things you want to make sure you don't go along with?


11



The opposite of depression is expression.


15



Small joys are what gets you through big grief.


14, 18, 21



You are a miracle. Take good care of yourself: Mind, body and soul.


21



Sad but important fact: You’ll never be enough for some people. Never. -Chasten Buttigieg


18



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


16



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


7, 11, 14, 19. 21



Default to "nice guy." Meaning it should require something significant for you NOT to be nice. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Cut them (and yourself) some slack. Life is hard. We're all in this together.


12



People will always have complicated feelings about the people they once loved. We’re human beings, we can’t expect emotions to be like an on/off switch. Complicated feelings/mixed emotions regarding an ex is to be expected. What’s important is what they decide.


17, 21



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



If you can’t afford to tip the server, you can’t afford to be there.


15



Trust fall. Learn to be vulnerable. You can’t say the wrong thing to the right person.


12, 16, 19, 21



Check out the Wolf Trap Children's summer theater.


4-11



Writing is thinking.


14, 17. 21



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


18, 21