1. Focus on strengths and affinities, not areas of weakness.

2. Seek answers to their many questions and teach them where to find answers.

3. Personalize their education.

4. Intervene through breakdowns – not every challenge, but a true breakdown. Keep it short, direct, matter of fact, fair, limited. Goal is to teach them coping skills.

5. Teach social skills and protect from humiliation.

6. Supporting expertise – help them study what they’re excited about.

7. Sports/physical activity.

8. Weekly lessons (music, art, etc.)

9. Don’t just read about – do.

10. Show your child your own commitment to educating yourself.

11. Arts – lessons plus field trips, exploration, study.

12. LISTEN: “The so-called generation gap is actually just a communication gap that started in Transition, or even before.”

13. Hold, hug, and kiss your kids.

14. Treat them like adults – with respect, admiration, candor. Don’t talk down to them.

15. Make your home inviting to their friends – be the hang out spot.

16. Keep reading aloud to them.

17. Be involved in their activities, but respect their need for space.

18. Avoid labels (political, social, etc.) Teach them that people are complex and not easily stuck into categories.

19. Encourage them to try new foods and new types of foods and do so with them.

20. Reinforce their dreams and goals, however impossible they may seem. The world will put a damper on their dreams – you shouldn’t.

21. Make your own contributions and set your own goals – don’t expect your child to accomplish your goals for you.

22. Take responsibility for your own education starting NOW.

23. Be a type A personality with yourself, be a type B with your kids.

24. Don’t try to compare or “keep up” with other families.

25. Don’t compare them with anyone – especially their siblings.

26. Focus on the present.

27. Have long talks with your children during which you LISTEN – don’t talk.

28. Teach your youth to use the library.

29. Set boundaries, be the authority and enforce them.

30. Set a good example of healthy eating for your family.

31. Set an example of healthy sleep patterns!

32. Set a schedule and stick to it (making exceptions as needed for worthy causes.)

33. Create a learning environment.

34. Discipline wisely.

35. Get both parents involved in the education process.