Set up a 529 plan. Virginia has a great plan if you don't want to do too much research https://www.savingforcollege.com/


birth-age 3



Enroll in a CPR course. Re-certify every year.


13



Talk to people like they belong and are valued exactly as they are in that moment.


12-14, 21



Discuss difference between foods that taste good vs. foods that make you FEEL good.


12-14



Play to win but play fair. Be a gracious winner. Someone has to lose. Sometimes it will be you. Don’t whine.


10



If you’re having trouble finding your passion, read biographies and memoirs of people from all walks of life. There are so many worlds out there! You’ll find one that excites you, where your unique talents and skill set can shine.


19



Marriage vows won’t “fix” anything about a relationship. They won’t change how a person communicates. Never start out a relationship with the hope or expectation that your partner will change (or if they are hoping you will change.)It’s not fair to either of you. Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are, not who they could be.


21



Practice “going without.” Talk about how nobody gets what they want all the time. We should learn how to just choose to go without something we want. Get them in on the discussion and pick something every day to do without.


5-9



On grief: CS Lewis said somewhere that it isn’t just that his friend died, it’s that the part of him that only his friend could bring out would never be brought out again.


17, 21



You can’t ask someone to change who they are before you live or accept them.


12, 15, 21



Name five women who contributed to our country’s history.


8, 13, 16



Take out your aggression on inanimate things, never on people or animals.


9



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


15



People learn all sorts of different ways. I found I learn best by repetition (drills) especially true for skills. And by listening for studying. Recording my lectures in college made a huge difference in my ability to learn and retain material. Let’s find what works for you.


14, 17



Read Harry Potter series to him / with him.


9-10



For a bad cut / gash, use a rolled up washcloth or hand towel to apply pressure until you can get to an ER. If you have to drive yourself or need your hands free, secure the towel in place with duct tape.


18



Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Unless you're a lifeguard. ;)


16, 21



Other peoples’ expectations are the guard rails on the road. They keep you safe and guide you he way - literally. They keep you from driving off a cliff. So if you want to be safe, and if you do that’s great, stay within the guardrails. But if you want to fly, you’re gonna have to run right over them.


18, 21



When you’re tired, the next best thing to sleep is a shower.


16



Check into Brilliant.org for STEM activities.


12



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


14, 19, 21



“Bullies are scared people hiding inside scary people.” -Michelle Obama


8-12



Give yourself a break from thinking about yourself.


13, 16, 21



Most people are good. Some are bad. Many are crazy.


15, 21



We can learn, we can evolve. Let yourself be moved by the spirit. More beauty, more service, more humanity, deeper (or questioned) faith, more love. Always more love. That’s the best I can hope for: that you live a life full of love.


21



Challenge yourself every day, in one way or another. Mentally (read!) Is there any room for growth in an area you are struggling with? physically (take your pick but never take stupid risks with your safety), emotionally (allow yourself to be vulnerable. Apologize.), spiritually (pray/meditate/ fast.)


13, 17, 21



Things are rarely black and white. Most situations (and all people) are complex. A nuanced approach is necessary to understand them. You can’t learn - or love, if you’re judging.


17



Write your own job description. When you've been around long enough to know what you're good at and can identify what needs in the company you can help with.


21



Be present. Don’t turn every conversation into a lesson. They stay in their rooms so much because they feel safe there. They’re tired and stressed out and managing a lot of change.


13



Throw some love at a problem.


12, 15, 21