Life Advice
I’ve been compiling life advice for the twins. Whenever I think of something they should know, I jot it down in a digital note. Of course, after I do that, I realize that a rambling letter from their mother is not the best way to convey important life advice. This probably isn’t the first time they should be hearing some of these things, but in some cases, it is.
I should have started earlier.
But would it have meant anything if not read with one foot out the door?
Some of it is practical, such as how to not make enemies in the dorm laundry room:
Get back to your laundry at least five minutes before it’s due to be finished.
Other items are more amorphous:
Apologize when you should apologize. Just because someone isn’t bringing something up doesn’t mean it’s over. It may mean they’re just not bringing it up and letting it grow inside their head. Apologize so that fire has no oxygen.
I would drop them in individual notes to open randomly, but they probably need all these thoughts from day one. So I’m putting them together to read and use and pass along.
8 comments
Both *very* good pieces of advice. I had not heard of #1 before, so saving it to pass one.
I love this idea so much.
#1 is something they’ll learn from experience, if/when they arrive back in the laundry room and find their clothes in a heap on the counter or floor…! But hopefully they’ll listen to mom first!
(Another laundry tip: whites/lights get washed separately. I know more than one guy who learned this the hard way, after throwing a red sweatshirt in with their white underwear & socks, lol.)
This reminds me of the book “Excellent Advice for Living” by Kevin Kelly, which is full of this type of wisdom.
Love this. Especially number 2.
And it seems like a great way to be there for your kids without adding pressure or nagginess. If they want advice – hey presto, here’s advice from mom. When they miss you – here it is, a connection that’s always waiting for them. If they need some space or feel they have enough wisdom to do it on their own – the letter can just sit and wait until they need it.
My friend and I made a list of rules to live by when we were in college. I hope the twins appreciate yours…
I love this idea too. I suspect your kids will take the advice, and take it well. I know some who might roll their eyes at their parents, then have to learn the lessons their own way. Each way teaches, I guess! And it’s an interesting exercise to think about too. What advice do we wish we had been given at 17-18 setting off into the big wide world? I might have to think about it!
I haven’t stopped by in a looong time, but was just thinking of you, and I CANNOT BELIEVE THE TWINS ARE OLD ENOUGH FOR COLLEGE!!!! I cannot believe it’s the 17th anniversary of the Friday Roundup. But of course, my own children are not far behind, at this point. You were such a light in the darkness for me for so long, so long ago, and yet just yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you’ve done, and all you continue to do. It means so much.