Make "place value cups" as a rainy day activity and way to teach big numbers. (google, youtube or pinterest)


6-7



Ask them to name 2 current or historical figures that they admire and why (one man one woman).


6-18



Toddlers fall... a lot. Most falls are harmless but sometimes bad accidents happen. Head injuries are scary because they bleed and swell. If bleeding doesn't stop within a few minutes or you can see it's a big gash, head to the urgent care. And remember if the swelling goes out (“goose egg”) that’s a good thing: Better out than in.


2



Let decency be like a religion to you. Practice it …but don’t preach it.


14



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


15



Dating advice: If they like you, you’re gonna know. If they don’t, you’re gonna be confused.”


16, 21



People don’t abandon people they love, they abandon people they’re using.


19, 21



Teach car maintenance: Adding air to tires, checking oil, etc.


13-17



Your spouse will be absolutely unbearable roughly 10% of the time. So will you be, by the way. Give grace. Receive it too. Also, physical distance helps, even for a few hours.


21



Watch “The Sandlot” together. Great story about friendship and showing up for each other.


8



Practice “doing without” (or “going without.”). Even young kids can learn the concept. Nobody get everything they want. Sometimes it’s harder than others, but it’s not the end of the world when we have to do without something we want.


4-11



Check out teen life coach Coaching with Will.


13



Listen to the radio stations they listen to. Know their favorite songs and artists.


12



Model good nutrition and fitness routine.


4



Practice real-life mental math: Calculate time / age: If someone was born in 1994 how old are they today? Make change in your head: Cost is 14.27, how much change do you have if you give the cashier 20 bucks? Calculate percentages: tips, tax brackets, sales!!


12, 14, 20



Talk about how to "go the extra mile."


14



Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith.


19



Toast your wife at every occasion.


21



Grandpa used to describe injuries and medical procedures as “It’s a nothin.” I think of this every time I have to endure something painful.


14, 18



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


14, 18



Respect people’s privacy. No snooping, eavesdropping, peeping, etc.


11



Try house music for focus. Spotify “uplifting trance” playlists. Better than Adderall by a mile.


12, 13, 16



Send them outside with an age-appropriate pair of scissors and have them “give the grass a haircut.” Fine motor skills!


2-4



“You belong in every room you enter.” - Shonda Rhymes


6-21



I want you to remember that for the first three years of your life I couldn’t take a poop without you on my lap. So there will be no shirking hugs from Mom now that you’re a teenager. xoxo


14



If someone doesn’t want your attention or warrant your attention, don’t give it.


15



Your emotional energy is sacred, and there’s nothing wrong with treating it that way. If connection is what you’re looking for, save your emotional energy for those who will cherish it and share their own. - Yung Pueblo from his book “Lighter”


12, 14, 17, 21



Plan a neighborhood "Winter Olympics" for snow days. Create indoor and outdoor events.


8



Check out the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. A short but deeply meaningful immersion into service, faith in action, selflessness and living on a lot less than you think you need.


19