Think about building a career. Take low-paying or no-paying jobs that will give you the experience you need to build it. It's not all about the paycheck, especially when you're young and don't have too many bills to pay.


19-21



Frustrated with school or work? It bothers you because you care or you hurt. That’s human.


14



Bring Christmas cookies to local fire station and police station. (Annually)


7-14



Book “Rainbow Relatives” is a great resource to be able to kindly, accurately and sensitively answer their questions about LGBTQ families.


6



At the hospital? Always confirm your name and date of birth and why you’re there.


16



Slow down and normalize making out without it leading to anything more. Physical intimacy can mean lots of things that aren’t sex: kissing should feel safe, personal and playful. ALWAYS be respectful and never assume that just because your sweetie is into it that they want to go farther. If your goal is to “score” do it by yourself.


15, 21



Emphasize "First things first." Distraction is always a challenge. Redirect focus to first things first.


5



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



Use Shutterfly or something like it to make Christmas books and birthday books each year.


Infant-21



Poems are great tools to help them to read, recite, practice handwriting, and illustrate.


7



I’m cool with “C”s. Do good work but don’t put too much pressure yourself.


14



Stuff is gonna happen! They will make incredibly stupid choices and get into all kinds of trouble. Take a beat. Be radically merciful. THAT is what they’ll remember and that is the lesson they’ll learn.


12-21



Let people do what they want to do so you can see what they’d rather do.


16



When it comes to conflict- what is your part in things?


15, 21



Start playing Jokers and Marbles. Get it on Amazon or Etsy.


9



Read “Raising a Screen Smart Kid” by Julianna Miner before you consider giving him a phone.


10



Rock those babies to sleep as often as you can.


0, 1, 2



Be mindful of privilege. Discuss the concept, point it out where you see it.


11-18



1

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


8-12



When you bring home a new baby, make sure your older kid(s) hear you talking to it the way you talk to them: “I’m sorry Baby I can’t hold you right now, I’m going to play with Sibling.” It makes it a lot easier to tell Siblings that you can’t give them attention right now because Baby needs you. Less resentment, etc.


2, 3, 4, 5



In marriage there will be times or occasions when one of you will be “pilot” and the other “copilot” (depending on skills, abilities, circumstances, etc.) Both pilot and copilot are good! But never be a “passenger” in a relationship.


21



Ladies, don’t waste a moment of your precious time trying to get a man’s attention. If he’s interested he will love heaven and earth to get YOUR attention. Save your energy for joy and work and learning and doing whatever floats your boat! Let him be the one to twist himself in knots.


15, 18, 20



Theme this year: Self Control (Repeat every year until age 99)


6



What problem do you want to solve in the world?


1Infant-14



Buy life insurance when you're young.


21



When it comes to clothes and makeup, women have one dress code: whatever the f*ck they want. Hijab or bikini, it’s not women’s job to appeal to men. It’s not women’s job to keep men’s appetites subdued.


14, 17, 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



Institute a “leave by” time instead of a curfew. That way they won’t panic / speed if something out of their control happens to make them late. “Leave Riley’s house by 10pm.”


13



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


15



Speaking truth to power is important but should be done carefully. Before you speak remember this: Is there anything self-serving, mean-spirited, or ego-driven? If you’re sure your feedback isn’t tinged with those things, then I’d say you can be comfortable telling it like it is. Note: when you’re young (less than 30) WAIT to be asked before you spill your guts! Always be kind, professional and consider what you want to say carefully.


21