Eugenie

Not everything is about you.

People like you if you like them.

Don’t get caught up in making sure everyone likes you. Remember that you have to like them too.

How a person makes you feel is a good indication of whether they’re a worthy friend.

One of your most valuable skills will be accepting that you made a mistake and working to fix it for next time.

Bad feelings are good for you. Guilt, shame, embarrassment, sadness. We learn from them. Don’t run from them.

It’s good to be bored.

Love, Mom

P.S. (for your mom!) You don’t have to like every stage of parenting. In fact you also might find that certain ages are harder for you than others. This is natural. No one is good at everything.

Everything is learned. Every person needs to be taught, even things like using a toilet. So too, if you or your child don’t know something that seems really basic to you, remember, it just means you haven’t been taught how to use this particular toilet yet.

Imagine your children are aliens come to Earth and you must act as a diplomat to help them adjust to life on this planet.

Table manners matter. Your child’s ability to behave in public will make them more likable and thereby be treated better by other adults and teachers. It will make their lives easier and themselves enjoyable to be around.