Stay away from anything or anyone that denies or disparages a person’s humanity. (Or a group’s humanity.)


12-21



Always wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt.


13



Concussion testing - baseline


15



Date all kinds but marry someone who loves you for who you are, with whom you feel most yourself. Someone who will encourage you to grow more into the person you want to be. (And be good at encouraging them to do same.) Never fear or stifle each other’s growth. Celebrate it. Support it. Encourage it.


21



Addiction is when you can’t get through the day without something. It’s not that you need to feel high, it’s that you can’t live without what gets you high. Humans are all wired to be at risk for addiction


13, 15, 18, 20



Be respectful with regard to how you treat girls:. How you talk to them, how you talk about them, and even how you think about them.


11-14



Grandpa used to keep a hundred dollar bill stashed discreetly in his wallet “for emergencies.”


17



Repeat after me: “I am beautiful I am loved I am safe I am free. I don’t need to be like them I just need to be like me.”


7, 8, 9, 13, 16



Puberty is like putting a 12 year old in the pilot seat of a fighter jet. A total sh*t show at first, then better but still erratic and dramatic until they really get a feel for the speed and the pressure, the gauges, etc. They’ll learn when to question or to trust their instincts. Tell him that he’ll fly this jet for the rest of his life and it will always be dangerous because it’s an effing jet, but he will learn how to fly it expertly. He’ll do good, have fun, accomplish missions and refuel.


12



When driving in the car with your kids, ask them to count motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians. Prize to the highest count! This will train them to be on the lookout for them.


10



Check out Harmonia School on Mill St Music Art Theatre


6



Go to Planet Word and do the Lexicon Lane puzzle experience.


12



“People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider's webs. It's not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.” -unknown


17, 19, 21



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



Reinforce this at every opportunity: “You matter.” Kids respond to this message deeply, whether it comes from a positive source (parents/teacher/coach) or people who are only trying to exploit them.


2-18



“The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw Listen to audio or read together


14



Success = liking who you are, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.


14, 17, 21



Model good nutrition and fitness routine.


4



You're about to come into a ton of energy and strength. It will seem like a lot to manage at first, but you'll get used to it and learn to use it constructively. Push your limits (within reason.) Challenge yourself.


13



Consider what you value. Act accordingly.


10, 14, 17, 20



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


17, 21



Keep screen time to a minimum.


2-8



Check out First Stage and Wolftrap performances


15



Theme: Dignity


11



Try out Petra Lingua online language courses for kids. (Ages 3-10)


4



“When happy, be kind. When sad, be kind. When ever…be kind.” - Cory Booker


9, 12, 15, 19, 21



Sailing lessons.


14



Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”


14



You can (and should) pray for help. But remember, you have to do your part too. Depending on the situation it could be a little or a lot, but don’t just sit back and expect to be rescued. Moses had to dip his toe in the Red Sea before God parted it. Ask for help, but do your part.


14, 21



Read Moth by Amber McBride. Young adult fiction in verse about grief. Twists and turns.


15