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I need some advice for kids! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-06-23 23:12:11
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Patrons, your questions make the show what is it, but now I could use some advice. As you may know, I am a childless crone without a uterus, and my best advice to children is "don't let an escalator eat your hand," because it happened to me.

But with Smologies having its own dedicated feed (TELL YOUR FRIENDS!) we put out weekly episodes that are G-rated, kid-friendly and shorter edits of classic episodes. Send this link to your friends:

https://pod.link/1746567248

And instead of a secret, I give young impressionable children ages 3-18 my sage fatherly wisdom. Anyone have advice for kiddos I can use for future episodes? I will be sure to credit you accordingly.

Meanwhile, please don't jaywalk and get hit by a 16-year-old driving their mom's new Mercedes, which also happened to me. (We didn't sue, but they gave me $500 to not press charges! )

Lovingly,

Your Dad of Pod, Alie Ward

Ps: please no one lecture me about calling myself a crone; it's hyperbolic self-deprecation and I think crones are sick as fuck and have cool hobbies

Comments

Rayna

my advice is to never stop flipping over rocks to look for bugs 🐞

Audrey Pearson

My dad’s old chestnut: never eat yellow snow.

Yuri

Crone club!

Anna Thompson

From my sister's real life experience: if you're apple picking and climbing a tree remember to reach for the apple with one hand and hold *onto* the tree with the other!

Jill Burnham

This is obvious and we’ve heard it a million times but when you feel judgmental, try being curious instead

con

Here’s my advice!! Become your own best friend. You’ll never be lonely and you’ll always be with someone you love.

Matt Ceccato

Don’t be in a hurry to grow up. Stay as young as you can for as long as you can.

Shannon F

I have four kids and I tell them on a regular basis that as long as they are compassionate and their heart is set on serving then everything will work out

Rayna

This reminds me of “make sure you buy a toilet plunger before you need it” lol

Lucy Goose

Be yourself! Dont worry about what others think, you are in charge of your life :)

Jill Burnham

Also, weird is a lazy adjective. Put some imagination behind it.

Mara Rosenbloom

Don’t be afraid to be a beginner! It’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re trying something new, whether it’s math, reading, a cool science experiment, or crafting and it doesn’t come as easy as the familiar stuff. Remember that it took you three full years of life to really be able to talk, so let yourself be a beginner and take time to learn!

Christine Valdes

As a fellow childless crone, I wish someone would have told me when I was young that 'lucky' people are just people who ask for what they want and keep their eyes open for opportunities! An episode on 'luck' (the science of opportunities?!) would be super cool.

Damsel Cosplay

Perhaps advice on how they are sovereign humans and have the right to their own boundaries and bodily autonomyyyyyy (do i have any idea how to communicate this to a child other than telling them they don't have to hug anyone they don't want to? Unfortunately I do not lol)

Jenny Lowe Rhodes

As a music teacher, I always encouraged my students to break big goals down into bite sized bits like daily practice and to be proud when they made it!

Dylan

my advice is to never let adults, or eventually your peers, not let u have fun. it’s so easy to forget how to play. don’t let them take that from u

Daniel White

If you flip rocks looking for snakes, pull the rock towards yourself so there’s a barrier between you and whatever is under said rock.

Moo

Don't hate things just because your parents hate them.

Average_pi

No means no is always good advice. Also, tell the young ones to respect other's boundaries and make sure their own boundaries are respected. And tell them it's ok to need space but make sure you ask others to leave you alone politely. (I work with kids and these are things I'm teaching them)

Bethany Case

When someone asks what you want to be when you grow up, tell them if you know. But (!) it’s ok if you don’t know, and you’re allowed to change your mind as often as you’re asked.

Dylan

most bugs can be kept in a cup for a little while .

Kelli Brockington

Try to learn something new & unique every month. Read.

Elinor Wahl

We're all figuring things out, no matter what age we are, so don't worry about not knowing things

Yuri

Trying to be "smart" can actually make you scared to make mistakes and limit your growth. It's better to be a "tryer" and "explorer", you'll not only grow more but have more fun doing it

Hadley M

Don’t listen to the people who tell you that the things that you think are cool are not cool. Your interests and hobbies are likely much more common in other kids and people than you realize. For example: D&D- that was something 15 years ago was so taboo and now dimension 20 and dropout are selling out Madison square garden to play D&D Live gdangit

Dylan

don’t hate anything lowk it’s such a waste of time

Anna Thompson

But real advice I use regularly: learn to change a tire, address and envelope and tip before you go to college! If you're drinking out of a soda can it water bottle while driving use a straw to keep your eyes on the road. Find people who have different hobbies than you can you can cheer them on

Bethany Case

I also was told this when we started cross country skiing in Yosemite when I was a kid.

Priyal

Things I say to my kid all the time: "Stay sparkly." "You don't have to like everyone, or be friends with everyone, but you can try to be kind." And the advice his teacher gave him (credit to Ms S): "you do you."

Kelli Brockington

Find a craft or hobby that you have to use your hands and maybe even use math with, such as sewing or gardening. Start simple & improve with practice.

sppduck

Your specific choices are less important than why you make them. Doing things out of fear or jealousy or anger will leave you feeling bad even if there aren't big consequences. You will inevitably make big mistakes, but you'll be able to grow from them and let them go more easily if you can look back and still be satisfied with your reasoning, especially if it's in line with your values. (^^^what I wish I understood at 13)

The DWP

As the parent of four humans, the directive I often found myself saying was “don’t be a dick.” I realize it seems silly but, it was said so frequently I feel like it worked. When they asked about a situation with a friend and what they should do? Don’t be a dick. When the came home upset over mistreatment? Was someone a dick to you? This is why you don’t wanna be a dick. How to behave in public? You get the picture. I guess it was our GenX way of saying “be kind to others… you never truly know what they’re going thru.”

Katie Wood

Go play in a creek! It’s the best way to learn about nature as a kid. Turn some rocks over by the shore to see what’s living under them, see if you can find any fish, notice the water bugs, listen for the birds that hang out in the trees by the water (they’re different than the ones further away!)

Chip Locke

Everything is interesting, you just choose where to direct your focus.

Quincey Robisheaux

When you find a goal you want to achieve, sink your teeth in and don't let go On a lighter note, after you spend time with your friends, message them to let them know you had fun

PeculiarMxPie

Don’t be in a hurry to grow up Your happiness matters You’re allowed to take up space

Adam T. Berns

Don't be afraid to ask (stupid) questions, especially in class...Someone else probably has that same question too. A fool often tells people how smart they are, while a true genius realizes how little they actually know and never stop learning.

Sinclair

Don't let being cool dull your shine. As an adult I wish I had stayed cringy and awkward rather than making myself more palatable and then having to relearn the fun silly things I should have focused on as a kid. If you want to do something as a career don't burn yourself out as a kid. Practice and get good at it but don't forget to have fun kid experiences along the way.

merdhif

Nobody is paying as much attention to you as you worry they are! Practice reminding yourself of this— the sooner you truly believe it, the better your life is gonna be! A lot of things in the world are about power, when it comes down to it, and noticing it is the first step towards making things better. Look around often and ask yourself questions like, “what kind of power does this person have? What did they do to earn it? How can that power be changed by circumstances or the actions of others?” Start noticing what powers you have, too!

Katie Hammond

Trust your instincts about what is safe and what isn't. Same for what is good. Kids often have great instincts and society trains it out of them in one or multiple ways.

Aly V

Pursue the things that you love to do, don’t let someone else convince you of what you “should be when you grow up”. As a nature loving kid, the best thing I did for adult me was pursuing wildlife biology as a career and now work is something that brings me immense joy in life that I don’t dread having to do this for the next 30 years.

Jim

Lose yourself in joy. Find something that lets you lean into that act fully: sport, music, art. Be cynical if you want, but find a chance to joyously play the cymbals too. Also, ear protection. Like the nice ones that just chill on your keys. Use them.

Jonathan Cummings

There are two things that impact the outcomes of our lives, luck and good decisions. Learn how to make good decisions. Aside: Decision Science isn't an ology, but someone once wrote a book called decisionology, and I'm a decision scientist if you ever want to do an episode about the science of decision making.

Regina Muth

Be intentional about your goals, but remember having fun can (and should be) be a goal

CoffeeLeaf90

Trust your gut! Sometimes being a good friend is listening and just being there. Learn a life long skill. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help!

James Jakes

Be extra kind to people you don't like.

Badoopadoo!

My best advice is to learn to be comfortable doing things alone. Sometimes it might not be safe to be in certain situations alone, but there are plenty of times you will be alone and it’s important that you give yourself the space and attention you deserve during those moments. Get to know yourself well and become your own best friend. Take your time, be kind, and learn to love the person you are.

Sarah Bo Barah

In all honesty- listening to this show and hearing all of the different paths that people can take to find work that they are interested in and passionate about is some of the best advice they could receive. I wish I had been able to listen to ologies in my younger years because for many of us who grew up in working class families, it felt like research and academia were sort of off-limits as real options, when that clearly isn’t the case. Thank you for building a place of kindness and curiosity, when kids are tuning in they’re already a step ahead. Rant over.

Greg Walloch

If you feel different in any kind of way, that’s okay. You’re you — and that makes you unique. It’s more than okay to truly be yourself. You’ll find your tribe — the ones who don’t just accept and support you, but help you shine even brighter. Can you think of a friend that you have helped shine bright?

Sheathen

If you think something is wrong, what someone said to you, the way someone treated you, please tell your trusted adult. This goes for if you think the way someone spoke to someone else or treated someone else too.

Ash

Read widely (or listen to audio books if that's more your speed) and don't be afraid to fact check your information if you think something doesn't add up

HazHydro

Take chances, make mistakes, get messy...it is not just a great tagline from Magic School Bus, it is three excellent pieces of advice for people of any age.

Kristin

It's okay to be angry. But what you do with that anger is what matters.

Laurel

Just because something rhymes doesn't mean it's true

Jonathan Cummings

The 'stay sparkly' advice reminds me of the great Robin Williams advice quote, "You're only given one spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."

Christy K

You learn the most from your mistakes. It's much more satisfying to be the reason for someone's smile, being nice and kind are great qualities.

Adam Foote

Share you toys, snacks, and jokes. But not your boogers

Ninja Squirrel

If you want to know how much time you have until sunset extend your hand in front of you with your fingers parallel to the horizon with your index finger at the horizon. Each finger up from the horizon is 15 minutes of daylight until sunset. Also, I tell everyone I know with kids about smologies because I too am a childless crone and I have some killer hobbies. 😉

Eating dog hair for a living

Be nice to your classmates. You don't know what they're going through in their life. If someone is different from what you think is "normal" it might be because they're getting abused at home. It doesn't have to be abuse that you can see with your own eyes, it can be mental, verbal, or even sexual abuse. Everybody needs a friend.

Priyal

Such great advice. I hope my kid stays as free as he feels now forever. I mean, he meowed at the plumber yesterday for no apparent reason. 😅

Mykenzie King

Talk about your feelings! We feel everything for a reason and it’s important for your parents/ caregivers/teachers/coaches to know what you feel! (From a child therapist)

John Worster

I would say that one bit of advise for kids would be, if you have grandparents to try and spend time with them. And ask them about what they did when they were kids. Who were their best friends? What's the best vacation that they went on? What did they do to have fun? Write the grandparents a letter every once in a while. Old folks like to receive mail from grandkids.

Sam Peretz

Try out lots of activities and find one you really love, and then do lots and lots of that. Don't settle for doing whatever all the other kids are doing - like soccer or gymnastics - just because other kids are doing it. If you don't enjoy it, try something else. Try art. Try music if you can. Try running, or swimming. Or programming. Don't settle. There's something out there that will capture your heart, mind and body. Maybe something that you'll enjoy for many years to come.

Clemens V

If there are worms in your cherries, no worries! As they probably ate delicious cherry 🍒 their whole lives, they probably taste the same 🤷

Christine Pikstein (she/her)

Put your homework in your backpack as soon as you are finished; this way you won't forget it in the morning. This goes for anything else you might need to take to school- permission slips, gifts for friends, gym clothes. (BTW, Jonathan has used the advice of timing himself doing chores and continues to beat his best time. And you've always pronounced my name correctly. )

HazHydro

From my 26-yr-old daughter, take advice from people who are where you want to be.

JENN 'Benthopelagic squirrel' ALVAREZ

Don't talk to the cops without a lawyer or parent present Trust nobody-Tupac It's ok to like bugs. (This is erratic AF😂) If you plan on drinking then get a Lyft home. Wear sunscreen everyday. Never leave your drink unattended, ever. You are loved.

steve props

I have two things: 1. Follow your heart, success will follow. 2. There are two types of people in the world: People who split everything into two categories And everyone else

HazHydro

Give your time and energy only to people who treat you with respect.

JC

It is okay to cry as long as you are able to process through what crying means to you and how you can then move forward with your emotions (from a crier) Also, it is never a bad idea to email your teacher for help (from a teacher)

KayQuimi

You can do anything, but you don't have to do EVERYTHING. Time to relax is important too!

Batty

I’m an autistic speech therapy assistant primarily working with autistic kids and teens. My biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to express discomfort. Sometimes you’ll have to do things you don’t like (for me it’s brushing my teeth), but often we can find ways to make the experience less uncomfortable (I use watermelon flavored toothpaste because I can’t tolerate the taste of mint), or you can get the comfort and support you need to do hard things! It’s hard to get help if you don’t ask! Also bugs and snakes are cool, but don’t pick up any critter you aren’t 10000% sure is harmless (speaking as someone who once grabbed a very painful venomous caterpillar as a child).

aguycalledshane

Save as much money as you possibly can, but don't forget, you're here to live, not exist. Don't go into debt for anything you don't need, don't go into more debt than you can actually afford to be in, but there is such a thing as good debt. Eat the cake. Drink the wine (maybe not this one). Get the shoes, You're not getting out of this alive (maybe don't tell them that either). Floss at least once a day and brush at least twice a day. Wash your hands. Eat vegetables, especially green leafy ones. I could go on but those are good starts.

HazHydro

Again, from my daughter, sharing advice I gave her. It doesn't matter what you know if you cannot communicate it. Learn how to communicate effectively!

Cat

As a fellow crone without a uterus, all I can offer is: “Your face is going to stay that way”

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

It's never too late to start learning a new skill. You may look around and see other people your age who have been doing the thing you want to do for a long time and think, "Why bother? I'll never catch up." Don't let comparisons to others prevent you from doing the thing. It doesn't matter if you are 8 or 80, it takes courage to try something new. You can do it!

Rachel Lacov

When you are worrying about what everyone else is thinking about you, everyone else is worrying about what you are thinking about them. So in the end, it all cancels each other out. So don’t sweat the small stuff.

Jonathan Cummings

Think about what you can do to make life better for future you, and do it. maybe more importantly, make time to explore activities that you do for no other reason than you feel like it.

Rachel Lacov

It’s best to be kind, and build others up whenever you can.

Elinor Wahl

If you ever feel like nobody's helping you, remember the ground you walk on, the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the inventions you use and live in, and all the other lifeforms you share this world with - humans, plants, animals, bacteria, mushrooms all exist because we support each other, whether we know it or not

Anna

For the kiddos who may end up having a period - keep some hydrogen peroxide with you; either in a travel bottle or wipes. If you have a leak you can use this to get the blood off your clothes in a pinch. Try to have extra undies and an extra pair of shorts/pants, and wear black ones during your period. It sucks when you’re still figuring out your body but you can get through it ❤️

Peregrine

Try to practice not being embarrassed! We all do silly things, we all do things other people might find weird. My life has gotten better as I’ve grown up and realized it’s just not worth it to feel embarrassed for living my life! My mess-ups and weirdness are a part of me, and it’s not fair to myself to feel so uncomfortable with that part. Have patience for yourself!

honeybear

Don't treat people how you want to be treated... Treat them how THEY want to be treated. Not sure how they want to be treated? Ask, and listen! If you don't have the opportunity to ask, just be kind.

Elta Sparks

Elementary teacher here! I always tell my students that if they don't understand something, they need to ask for help. It seems so simple but so many of them feel bad for asking and if they don't say anything we assume that they don't need help! That's what the adults around them are there for! Making mistakes is how our brains learn and grow! Don't be afraid to try something new. Even if you get it all wrong, you'll get better. No one is immediately an expert in anything. This is a big one I had to learn for me: if you're good at something like a hobby but you don't like to do it, you don't have to! I don't know why that one was so hard for me to figure out. Life is beautiful because people all have different backgrounds and different likes and dislikes. If everyone wanted the same things, life would be so boring and monotonous. I'll come back with more if I think of any. Feel free to send me a message! :)

Dani the dino

Weird stuff is cool Take care of your feelings, and your friends feelings Hug it out

Staci Pinkowitz

Hi Alie - LOOOVED getting this notification! I am a full time outdoor educator and my main program areas are with preschoolers (2-5 year olds), kids birthday parties at nature centers, and farm/nature summer camp (3-16 years old)! I have so many things to say! I will nest them here!

James Jakes

Don't try to reason with people who are being mean to you.

Heart

-if you hurt someone’s feelings the repair/apology can make just as big of an impact as the thing that hurt them (it’s true! It’s science!) -Sometimes we don’t know how to make a good apology because we haven’t heard one, or practiced. A good apology starts with I’m sorry, then you say what you’re sorry for, and what you’ll do differently next time. A good apology has no but! It’s but-less! If you say “I’m sorry, but…” and then explain why it’s not your fault *that’s not a good apology* -when someone apologizes to you, we usually say “it’s okay”, but what we mean to say is “thanks for apologizing”, it shows a little more self respect, and acknowledges the effort of good apology nicely.

cbchinaski

If you feel lonely, call someone. People often wait for others to reach out, but the best way to connect is to reach out yourself. Odds are the other person will be so happy to hear from you. And if you haven’t heard from a friend in a long time, call them.

Staci Pinkowitz

and FWIW - if you *ever* wanna talk shop about kids' material, I am available. I studied human development for my bachelor's with a focus in early childhood and our team works really hard to integrate developmentally appropriate, research-based pedagogy into our environmental education lessons!!

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

Find ways to bring whimsy and play into every day, even years from now when you are a grown up. Have a dance party, wear a crazy colorful outfit, make up funny songs or poems, hide pretty rocks or figurines in public spaces for others to find, make a wish at a fountain, create a secret handshake with a friend... the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild!

Andrea Ligocki

You have so much time ahead of you, so don’t sweat the mistakes you make. The stuff I thought was world ending as a teen has almost no impact on my life now!

Staci Pinkowitz

First of all - ALWAYS do a tick check. ALWAYS. In the ears, under the armpit. Back of the neck, knee-pits, buttcheeks. They can and will go to the darkest, sweatiest places.

Kathryn Knopinski

Always pack more socks and underwear than you think you’ll need. Aside since you identify as a crone: Have you seen a book called Hagitude that’s about the second halves of women’s lives? I haven’t read it yet, but the name alone is amazing. Hags and Crones forever! (Please delete if this is derailing.)

The Deal with Animals- Podcast

This is one I found helpful from my mom: " Ghosts are real. But you don't have to be afraid of them because it can't hurt you. And in fact they really hate being made fun of. So if you just picture them in a tutu and a clown nose, they get embarrassed and run away"

Waylo

Love this! And you are the 2nd person I’ve heard to have had a hand in an escalator accident. I’m so sorry! Well, as the favorite uncle with 12 nieces and nephews, and know as Uncle Ducky Momo, I love to talk to kids! Here are some thoughts: - Treat other kids as the friend that you want! - Do yoga!!!!!!! It will save you so much grief later! - Network, network, network (maybe more so for older kids)! - Don’t fret if friends aren’t contacting you or talking to you. They are probably waiting for you to contact them! And, as someone who is keen on on teaching kids about innovation: - Innovation is NEVER an individual sport! - Find friends who will support your innovative pursuits. - Stay curious my friend! It’s the most important skill you have! - Find your purpose! There are so many valid purposes. And if you’re not sure, look for a challenge - something we need to learn or fix - they are out there. And, as an ologist enthusiast, one question you can always ask an expert, “What do you wish you knew?” Or “What keeps you up at night?”

Peregrine

Remember you are just a little animal on a little planet, and it’s okay if life is hard. We’re all just trying to live. Try to have love and patience for the little animal that you are, and for all the little animals around you too

BolognaShoes

The worst thing that can happen in most scenarios is that someone says no. Don’t let fear tell you not to do something— saying no because you’re scared is never the right reason. Don’t lie. It’s never worth it

Ali Vessels

Try lots of new things now, while you're young. It only gets harder and scarier the older you get. Don't be afraid of failure and follow what interests you!

Staci Pinkowitz

Asking questions is the answer to everything!! Don't know something? Question it. Awkward interaction? Ask them a question about themselves. Feeling an emotion you don't understand? Question - and write it down in a journal to help express things! Curiosity drives us forward!!

MrsCarterOfMars

We're constantly telling our toddler to be gentle. It's mostly about the cat, but it could also be to yourself.

Sunflower star

Be brave enough to try new things and even to suck at something new -- hardly anyone is good at anything to start with. If you keep trying, you'll learn from mistakes, and improve. People will come and go from your life, and you'll meet so many new people who know you for who you're becoming, not who you once were. You can reinvent yourself many times.

Ali Vessels

Also: the right people will make you feel safe and warm and content when you're with them. If they don't make you feel that way, they might not be the right person to have in your life (there's a lot of adults I wish I could tell this to right now)

Chrysalis Ashton

You don’t have to give up your stuffed animals or insert whatever toy/collectable/hobby just because you “grow up.” You don’t have to stop loving what you love because you aren’t a kid anymore! It’s ok for grown ups to have stuffed animals (speaking from experience). 😁

The Deal with Animals- Podcast

Alie, what good advice has your mom given you? Also ... I only realized just now because of predictive chat , that if I added an 'n' to the end of your name, it would be Alien, that's pretty cool.

KJ Watson

You can’t control how other people behave, but you can control how you react.

honeybear

If you're feeling sad, scared, overwhelmed, or otherwise icky... Look around (literally) for something beautiful or comforting. Maybe you see a plant, a favorite painting, a cloud outside your window, or an animal friend that you love... whatever you can see that helps you feel happy, calm, safe or grateful is perfect. Look at it for awhile, take some deep breaths, and let the pleasant feelings grow. The more you practice, the easier it gets! It can even help your brain learn to focus less on what's upsetting or scary, and naturally notice more of the beautiful, safe, and supportive things in life!

Staci Pinkowitz

The only reason people are good at stuff is because they put time into it. Push back against getting disuaded from art, music, etc just because it's not clicking yet. If you put more time and care and focus in, you'll get great results back! <3

Cade Frieden

Just try stuff! You never know what you might learn!

Ashley K.

Your worth is more than your grades! (A good reminder for parents sometimes too ;) )

Ashley K.

Also, as a Peds GI Psychologist - if it hurts to poop, go see a doctor please :P

Cade Frieden

Treating people with kindness will make them more likely to help you!

Pavka34

Don’t climb on top of the gas stove to get at the cabinets.

Staci Pinkowitz

There are a lot of things that seem to make people different. You may have a friend who is a different gender than you, have a different skin color than you, has a different kind of family than you, or has a different kind of home than you. These do not make people better or worse, but they are part of our stories. Approach these differences with kindness, open hearts, and curiosity. And beyond that - what are the things between people that are the same?

Olivia

the best advice i learned from my best friend since 8th grade, is that she always tells people the compliments she’s thinking about them. if you have a compliment in your head about someone, just tell them! likely it will make their day or make you a new friend. its helped a lot with my social anxiety too, theres no need to keep in something nice you want to say :)

Pavka34

Can I second this?

Staci Pinkowitz

The people who love you cannot predict what you are thinking and cannot read your mind. Part of being a good friend/family member is being honest. With the people that you trust, you can show them that by opening up about what is going on in your head and heart. If you do, they have the chance to respond to those things.

Pavka34

Be curious and be kind, particularly to those littler than you.

Erin Whidden

Teacher for 20 years. Foster/adoptive mom for 13 years. 1. DO. NOT. KEEP. SECRETS!!! Surprises are okay. Pranks (as long as they still respect boundaries) are okay too. But secrets are NOT okay!! If somebody asks you to keep something secret, you do not have to. Telling a trusted adult is ALWAYS okay, no matter what the secret is. And if somebody threatens you to keep a secret, run to the nearest safe adult as soon as you get away from them and tell!! 2. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, do whatever you have to do to get out of that situation. If that means lie, tell the biggest lie you’ve ever told. If it means run, run as fast and as far as you can. If it means yell, scream until you are heard!! 3. Being weird is awesome. Find the weird people and be friends with them. 4. Mental health is important… if you feel sad, scared, or angry about something for a prolonged period of time, let somebody know. It can be your parents, your friend’s parents, doctor, counselor at school, or a teacher. But don’t feel shame or embarrassment about how you feel on the inside. It’s not your fault and there is ALWAYS help and hope!!

RoadLesTravelled

Give yourself time to be alone, just half an hour once in a while. Fill the time silently watching the world go by.

Empress of Smallwood

I tell my students this one all the time! "Live your life in such a way that if someone were to say something bad about you no one would believe it."

honeybear

Maybe something like.... Your body doesn't belong to anyone but yourself. No one should force you to hug, kiss, high five, tickle, or be tickled when you don't want to... even if it's your family! Same goes for any other kind of touch, unless it's something necessary to keep you safe (like putting on a seatbelt or holding a parent's hand in a busy or dangerous area). If you don't like something someone is doing or asking you to do, tell them "No". If someone is not listening to your "no", or you feel afraid to tell someone "no", find an adult you trust to talk to about it!

Megan

When completing someone, make it about something that's their choice. Haircut, outfit, makeup, etc. Complementing physical features gets really old really fast, but telling someone that the outfit *they picked* looks cute makes the complement something about them as an individual, not just some fluke of genetics

Rebecca Morrison

From my 7y/o. Always cover your bum after using the bathroom. From my 13 y/o niece. Cherish the moments you have with your siblings. My from niece. Hold hands in a parking lot. From my sis in-law. Never lose your imagination. From my bro in-law. Keep having fun. From my husband. Don’t grow up too fast. From me. Say “hi” and “bye” to folks when you get somewhere or leave a place. It makes a huge difference!

Rachel Guthrie

You are not responsible for others’ feelings and they are not responsible for yours. Your happiness should come from within you, not only from others!

CassTheDogNerd

So many people spend their whole life trying to find meaning, so here it is: Love is the meaning of life. Of everything we are and everything we do. Love as often and as intensely as you can, and never apologize for doing so

Courtney Horowitz

The thing you might be meant to be when you grow up might not even be a thing yet. Focus on what kind of life you want to have (Quiet? Loud? City? Country?) and try out things that vibe with that. There is no need to have everything figured out by 9th grade. Also, from very recent experience, when you are faced with a problem and the solution seems to be "get a sharp object to deal with this", it might be time to seek a second opinion and ask for help.

Alex Minor

If you have to ask if it’s a good idea, it probably isn’t. Don’t eat the last cookie without checking with who bought the cookies. That’s how you get voted off the island. You can’t microwave metal. And you shouldn’t test this to make sure I’m right. If someone says “smell this,”don’t. Just don’t. If you break it, own it. If you blame the dog, the dog will remember. Always pack snacks. For yourself and your grumpy adult. (Hungry adults are a threat.)

Jeff Crocker

You drive the truck. Don't let the truck drive you.

Penny Loader

Try anything once! That food might look weird, but you've got nothing to lose trying one bite and it might be your new favourite thing! Same with activities, outfits, sports, friends and music.

Penny Loader

I also think that you can learn something from everyone, even if they aren't teaching you. And if you try and keep that front of mind it makes it a lot easier to get through long boring rides/meetings/classes or other things you wouldn't otherwise choose to do

Stephanie McCleery

This, too, shall pass. Even when everything sucks, know it's not all going to suck that way forever. It may suck differently tomorrow, but it may be even incrementally better.

Kerry Constantino

If you are from the United States and you travel to the UK, ALWAYS look both ways before you cross the street, and vice versa.

Brian Scott

I have two kids - now grown. I believe, as every parent should, they are the two finest kids in the planet. Many people complement me on my children and ask for parenting advice. Here are some key points. Without you the kid will turn out great - don't mess it up. Treat children like people and make individual decisions how to interact. Zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior, like whining. I spanked my daughter once and immediately realized she made no connection to what she did "wrong" - only that her dad was hitting her. Most parenting is just getting through the days, but there are key moments (maybe half a dozen for me) that required a divinely inspired response - wait for it then do that. Even though this might seem more about raising kids than communicating with the same principles apply. One more thing - you're amazing and can hang with my kids or grandkid any day.

Lisa Butler

Don't make your problems everyone else's problem!

Paula M

As a mother of boys: if you are peeing standing up, aim properly and always wipe the toilet seat after.

Nicole S

Wear sunscreen.

Lisa Gorman

The thing I probably wouldn't have believed but wish I could go back and tell my younger self (a very anxious and conscientious kid): it's probably not as bad as you think. Even when you mess up or do something embarrassing, it will almost always be completely fine. You don't need to agonize over it. Learn from mistakes but don't let them overwhelm you.

Snufflepupagus

Ask questions -smart ones, dumb ones AND listen to the answers (second part is a challenge for some)! Its an invaluable skill to make social connections and learn about the world.

Witch Hazel from Maine

I work with kids exclusively outdoors--kids who are new to it and who already enjoy it. The #1 thing I hope I can instill in them is that 1) if you're feeling sad, nature will help you feel glad. When big feelings show up, even looking out a window and focusing on each of your senses (fill in the blank "I notice...") can help you regulate! Nothing stays the same in nature--this too shall pass. And 2) keeping nature healthy keeps us healthy. We need it and are part of it!

Lisa Gorman

Also: appreciate your body for what it can do, not what it looks like. If you focus on the latter, you'll never be happy with yourself. If you remember what your body can do that you love doing (running, playing a sport, playing an instrument, etc), you'll be grateful for it rather than resenting it for not being perfect.

honeybear

A lot of people talk about "self love", and while that can be a wonderful thing, it's really hard to do sometimes! Instead, I like to think about being the best friend I can be to myself. If I find myself saying or doing not-very-nice things to myself, I pause and tell myself "well, that wasn't very nice" and try again... I think of what one of my best friends would do or say, or what I would tell a friend who needed some support, and try that instead. After practicing being a good friend to myself for awhile now, I am so much more kind, loving and supportive to myself and all the parts of me! I feel so much happier, and have so much more fun spending time with myself... which is great since I'm the one person I will ALWAYS have around!

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

Floss everyday. Flossing is practically free when compared to dental work and you can’t get your own teeth or gums back easily if at all. Plus any work you have done… needs maintenance ($$$).

Richard

Kids, you think being an adult means a life free of responsibilities. But that's not true. Being an adult means when your dumb kid drops a whole roll of toilet paper into the toilet, and flushes causing it to start backing up, you're the one who has to stick their hand in there and unblock it before it ends up all over the floor. That's what the difference between a kid and adult really is. (Happy Father' day dad, I love you!)

Lindsay Mixer

1. While trying new things is amazing and fun and wonderful a lot of the time, it's okay if you don't want to try a thing at that moment or ever. You know your own mind best, and you know when you definitely won't like a thing Right Now. You're not being stubborn or difficult, you're just setting boundaries and staying true to yourself. 2. Humans are a part of nature. We are not separate, we are not above, we are it. Every atom of our being is intimately tied to every atom of every other thing in this world. Remember and honor that connection. It's one of the most wondrous things about us.

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

From my cousin/best friend Jek: Hmmm well my major advice for kids that is generic and not specific to my child at all is PUT YOUR DAMN PANTS ON ALREADY

Brittany Chamberlain

GET OFF YOUR PHONES!!! I'm an educator and currently reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Phones are rewiring your brains to not enjoy playing face-to-face with your friends. Play is incredibly important for shaping how you grow up. Play teaches you how to problem, navigate conversations, and be confident! So put down that screen and go to the park with your friends.

CARLOS L DE LA ROSA

I have a suggestion that may be useful for a Smologies episode and can provide some valuable advice for kids (and their parents) as they explore the wilderness in parks or neighborhoods. There is a largely hidden world of creatures that live in streams, rivers, ponds, and wetlands, which kids seldom encounter. With the simple tools of a handheld aquarium net, a white pan, and some jars, kids can explore this hidden world and learn a great deal about the importance of clean, unpolluted rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. There's nothing most impressive than seeing the larva of a dragonfly jetting through the water by expelling water through its butt, also the way they breath (through their anal gills). Kids never forget this. Every rock in a riffle, every aquatic plant emerging from a pond, every water-soaked log, and even the sand and mud are habitats for some of the hundreds of species that kids can encounter in exploring the freshwater world. This discovery will bring appreciation to the diversity, fragility, and immensely rich and interesting nature of our freshwater. Oh, and the advice? Get wet! Get your feet in the water, explore the streams and ponds, grab a snorkel and crawl around in the creek, your butt up in the air and your face under the water, and see this world first hand.

Ariel Emby

As a teacher, the most important lesson I hope kids will learn is that mistakes are a gift! It can be hard to see them that way, especially because grades make it seem like every mistake is a big problem, but they are actually an opportunity to learn. If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not learning. And learning and trying in spite of being afraid is brave!

Cindy Teixeira

No one's perfect. If you mess up, just apologize and be better for next time. Forgive yourself this time. Don't beat yourself up for things you did wrong when you literally didn't know any better.

Cassafrass

Pay attention to what YOU pay attention to! Learning about yourself, what excites you, and what your patterns are is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It will pay dividends until you’re an old crone

Bonnie M Rutherford

I was a teacher for 30 years, mostly I taught junior high and older. On one occasion I was stuck in third a grade classroom on a day we were having an earthquake drill. One little girl was waving their hand in the air enthusiastically. She asked me what you should do if you were sitting on the toilet. I said always remember to pull your pants up first.

hilary johnson

Don’t be mean to yourself. Let the voice in your head be your cheerleader, not your bully. It’s totally cool of someone doesn’t like you; a lot of people are assholes. Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by your emotions. Almost every adult I know struggles with this too. It’s not because you’re a kid (though that does contribute) it’s because you’re a human. Be curious about your emotions. What are they trying to tell me? The ability to experience emotion is a gift even though it doesn’t always feel like it. Kids are assholes. And their frontal lobes aren’t done cooking. Let it roll off. Harken back to the cheerleader voice. Not everyone will be your friend and that’s a blessing. If you’re lost, look for a “grandma.” An older woman is likely to empathize and provide assistance. Find joy, don’t let all the bad get you down. Life is suffering (you don’t gotta tell them this part necessarily), but focusing on joy rather than despair will strengthen the neural pathways of positivity.

Jack Stoecker

I have some fatherly advice that you Ms. Ward need to accept as well. I always told my kids (now in their thirties) to never say anything bad about yourself because there is another person that lives inside of you that isn’t very bright (also insert outdated apolitical term) that believes every thing you say! And acts on it. Love your podcasts, they are changing my life and at 71….well you know. Jack, Boston, MA.

Raelee Grimm

Wear a bike helmet while biking. Always. Adults too. I will die on this hill. (Hopefully not actually because I’ll have my bike helmet on)

Connie DeFazio

As a fellow crone, welcome!! Advice: don't listen to people if they tell you your ideas are too big. Your ideas are amazing and wonderful! Also: it's okay to have negative thoughts and to notice them. Notice them, then let them float right on past. Don't hang on to them.

hilary johnson

Oh also! This is for parents more than kids, but know what your body parts are called. Like in a scientific way. This is helpful in a million ways. “Private parts” is fine but explain what these parts are. I’m in healthcare and we have used anatomically correct terms their whole lives. They know the difference between a vulva and a vagina. They know what labia are. Interestingly enough, though, I fucking hate the word “anus.” Regardless, I’ve worked in GI and will use the correct terms even when it gives me the ick.

Claire Gebben

Don't be embarrassed about whatever you enjoy or get excited about! Being weird is awesome and there will be others out there that share your same flavor of weird.

Raelee Grimm

Omg. Yes. Sunscreen and never talk to cops.

Ashly Bee Smitten

As a college prof, I wish more of my students had previously figured out how to rank their priorities, and accept the consequences of those rankings (e.g., is work or school more important?). There are (few to) no right answers, but it helps to know before conflict arises. I wish I knew this earlier, too. It's good to say no, especially when you don't have the ability to fulfill the request adequately. Get in the habit of writing thank-you cards, handwritten preferably. Practice being specific or personalized. This makes a big difference in relationships and on the job market. It's a rare behavior. (Relatedly, practice expressing sympathy and acknowledging others' big and "small" losses-- an even rarer practice.)

Erin Maurelli

Advice for first-borns, your parents have never done this before. They are learning. Parents may say “no,” often because *they* are afraid or unsure. Parents may need a minute to think about their answer when you ask for something. If you think your parents have it figured out, they don’t. But they’re doing their best.

San Juan Josie

If you’re sad, no matter what the weather, go outside and take a walk. You will feel better.

Benevolent-ish

Listen to your parents, even the drunk one. Sift through what they say and extract the good stuff. And of course when it feels wrong, don’t do as they do. They love you in the best way they know how, with the skills they have.

Ashley Hay

When you're under 18 years old, you don't have to talk to the police without a guardian present. Never lose your curiosity or whimsy.

Erin Maurelli

Hagitude is a wonderful read! 10/10 would recommend.

Luhlani

When getting advice from others about anything, take a look at the lives those people are living - what they tell you to do is what they would do in your shoes - so try to follow the advice of people whose lives you aspire to

James Nance

Never stop asking questions. Be curious about yourself, those around you, and the world we live in!

Shannon Patterson

If you are lucky enough to have two parents to go to with bad news, know which one will react best. Just in case you need to tell them you set their car on fire.

Hendrick T. Goller

I think you should keep the advice light, funny, and STEM based… my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Leonard Marcus, ingrained in me a sense of caution in science and chemistry by teaching us the poem/limerick? “Lenny was a chemist… but Lenny is no more… for what he thought was H2O was H2SO4…”

Dad jokes crack me up

Live and act in ways that demonstrate self respect. If you want others to know how you deserve to be treated, demonstrate! We often adopt the behaviour and beliefs we are most exposed to; don’t be afraid to have diverse groups of friends. You’ll be more open minded for it. Don’t swim alone.

The Deal with Animals- Podcast

Ooh, I thought of another one. This one's directly from me. Don't feed your dog at the table. If you really want a sneak him your food make sure you can get it to his food dish because otherwise he just begs at the table and then the jig is up.

Renee Wanger

My 7th grade science teacher (Mrs Osborn) told us so many times that "statistics never apply to the individual". I never really understood that until much later :)

aspen

basic as h e double hockey sticks but be yourself! you will eventually get exhausted from putting on a fake persona and the people who used to surround you will most likely leave once they see your genuine self, thus leaving you to be alone and sad! its cool to be cringe and find people who are genuinely like youself!

aspen

also… dont play around with allergies. say something to your waiter.

Bakayarou

Hey Alie - as a parent of two adult people, here are some things to share: Do what you need to do, so you can do what you want to do. The bigger people always look out for the littler people. (it's not about size, but more so about age and maturity) Whenever they're ready for relationships: If somebody tells you "it's wrong for xx + xx" or "it's wrong for xy + xy" (or some similar absurdity) first ask yourself "who is being harmed by this?" If the parties involved are all consenting adults with no mental/drug/physical impairment that would prevent them from giving full and witting consent, it's "nunya" (none of your business) so don't judge. Walk away and let them be happy.

Katy

Embrace being a weirdo! Weird is a compliment. Weird is where all the fun is.

Alexandra R Thompson

Crones are sick as fuck, childfree or not! My advice that I've been giving since I finished grad school (sloggingly): It's ok to be wrong, it's ok to fail, it's ok to be bad at something, and it's ok to change your mind. All of those things happened to me in that time period and I needed to accept them...and they've happened many times since :)

Cheryl Johnson

1. “If you ever get in trouble, blame the dog. Even if you don’t have one—just say it was an invisible dog named Pickles.” 2. “Always share your snacks… unless it’s the last cookie. Then it’s survival of the fittest.” 3. “Homework is important. But so is practicing your ninja moves. Balance is key.” 4. “If you can’t find it, check under your bed. If it’s not there… it’s probably in Narnia.” 5. “Being weird is a superpower. Use it wisely. Or wildly. Either one’s fine.” 6. “Remember: grown-ups pretend to know everything. We’re just taller and have better snacks.” 7. “Always be yourself—unless you can be a dinosaur. Then definitely be a dinosaur.” 8. “Don’t eat yellow snow. Unless it's lemon-flavored. Just kidding. It’s never lemon-flavored.” 9. “The floor is lava at least once a day. Be ready.” 10. “If you burp loud enough, someone will probably say ‘Nice!’ instead of ‘Gross!’” I’d love to take credit for these… but I don’t want to go to hell… if I believed in hell… which I don’t… but regardless, I can’t lie to my Dad of Pod. So, I did indeed get these from ChatGPT. But they made me laugh so I’m taking total credit for the prompt, “funny advice from a favorite aunt to give to an elementary aged niece or nephew.” Thanks for all you do. LOVE your show so much and if I was like, 50 years younger, I’d so want to be you when I grow up 😊 Cheryl Johnson Aka Backyard Bird Nerd

Tommy McElrath

Always check your crevices! OH wait I got that from you already ... But I think my best advice is to always stay curious, not judgmental (thanks Ted Lasso). And jumping off of that, find the curious people, and hang out with them, not the judgemental ones. You'll have way more fun.

Tara Villanova

When my kids were little, I thought hard about some qualities that were most important to me to instill in them. I came up with be "polite, honest and kind". My boys and I talked about those three things as situations arose. And that was all the time! In simple and complex ways. Of the three, honesty can be the hardest, and it takes bravery when you're a kid. Speaking of bravery, my other advice is to always admit when you don't know, or know how to do, something. The strong person asks the questions or asks for help, not the weak.

AussieColin

When you have your first driving lesson, don't drive straight into the tree 50m down the road. (Happened to one of my students.) 🤣

Her Ladyship Jen

I cannot possibly manifest this any harder than I am right now.

Jeremy Hakes

Oof. Conversations about hard things. Not to make them into little adults, but the earlier we can get them comfortable with life’s inevitables challenges the better. Money, death, mental health, life…

Waldrand

Alie, kids have this incredible propensity for observation. I work as a naturalist and land manager and invite kids to help search for plants, birds, stream invertebrates, mammals, even cave openings. And they tend to find them more often than the professionally trained adults that are with us. Just like children can learn language faster than adults, I think they can learn the languages of science faster too, especially if they are given the opportunity to do it often. How do Smologies listeners do this? Kids get an adult, adults get some kids, and go volunteer for the many community science projects around the country. It’s been a blast to do with my two children and we’ve made meaningful contributions and lasting memories.

Her Ladyship Jen

Just get dressed. Don't fight your grown ups, instead, slap on some clothes and take that energy to the streets.

Susan Conbere

I love the question and I’m so excited to be part of the Ologies (or Small-ogies) community! My advice is to be kind, even if people aren’t always kind to you. Do one kind thing every single day and this kindness will come back to you, over and over. Say a kind word, pet the cat, clean the kitchen counter when your mom and dad aren’t looking, choose not to tease your brother today. No matter how small, all those kindnesses add up. Every single one of us can make a difference in the world in this simple, but intentional, way. It will make others happy, and I promise it will make you happy, too.

Ettegoom

Even though it sucks, learning your times tables actually makes life easier in the long run... I refused to learn them because my teacher told me that the reason I had to do it was "because [she] said so" which I thought was a terrible reason, and as I didn't like doing it, I didn't. I really regret it now, as it's SO much harder to learn them when you're old, AND I actually use them a lot in my day to day life (including in the online games that I play when I'm trying to work out how much to sell items for in my guild store). Times tables kids, they're actually useful!

Jeremy Hakes

Finances. Boundaries. Self care. Sleep. Be curious - fuck around and find out (safely). Be kind.

Her Ladyship Jen

I tell my offspring, "don't worry about what other people are doing, yourself is plenty enough to worry about"

Her Ladyship Jen

If you think you're the smartest person in the room, you're wrong.

Ettegoom

Always stand up for the people that other people pick on, and if you are too scared to stand up for them in public, at least don't agree with the bullies. Remember that everyone has their own battles, and just because you got lucky in one area, doesn't mean that you can be mean to other people about it

Her Ladyship Jen

Or could be about Mom's hair. Definitely hasn't happened to me, though. 👀

Erin Snook

Hi Allie, I've got two girls who are 7 and almost 9. Here's two small pieces of advice for kids.: 1) Ditch the words "I know" from your vocabulary. We come from an analytical knowledge -loving family, so we all want to know all the facts. Something that's been a lesson for me that I have to remind my kiddos of (because kids like to know it all too!) is that in a conversation when someone is explaining something they're excited about or sharing a cool fact, the words "I know that..." close the door to learning. They end the conversation. Instead something like "That's such a cool fact, I also heard this ..." works better. 2) I always tell my kids when they say they're bored: "boredom is the door to creativity! ". Sometimes they think it's annoying, but they also remember that it's true. We don't have to be entertained all the time. We don't always need a device or a TV. Sometimes we need to be bored to come up with new ideas for cool stuff to get into. Rock on Dad Ward. We love what you do. P.s. I let my kids listen to the regular Ologies episodes with me in the car and they enjoy them ;)

SoManyQuestions

Seconding as a first-born! Realizing my parents had no idea what they were doing was life-changing, so much that I told my younger twin siblings with the sage advice only a 19-year-old can give 14-year-olds because once also isn’t that much practice (and to their credit, our parents did pretty damn good for newbies!)

Rebecca Bell

People who say there is only one way to do something are very often wrong. If one way of doing something doesn't work for you, try a different way or ask someone else for a different idea!

C M

Empathy! Or in more basic terms for kids, the Golden Rule, "Do unto others what you would have them do to you!". Think about your words/actions and how it may impact those around you (siblings and parents included) and if you would appreciate someone using those same words/actions against you.

C M

Try it once....you never knew you liked ice cream without trying it for the first time!

SoManyQuestions

One day it will be the first time you lose someone you love too soon, and it will be unfair and awful. But it will always be better that you had them for not long enough than not at all.

Joe Porfido

Don't assume anything ever about anything, especially people.

Kelly A McConnell

I’m a pediatrician. I want all kids to know their doctors are safe people. You can talk to your doctor in private. You can ask questions that might be embarrassing. You can share your gender or sexuality questions, concerns & feelings. (I know there are not so great doctors out there but pediatricians are a special bunch that love kids so 🤞🏼 they don’t have 💩

Angela

Explore being bored. Try standing in line not looking at the phone. Try just eating your food without a screen. You will hear things, see things, think of things you aren't expecting.

Elta Sparks

When you are done writing (anything, email, paper, whatever) read it out loud. There's some magic there that helps you find missing words or clunky phrases

Roger Gans

Bit #1: Wait for the 2nd marshmallow

SoManyQuestions

Show up for your friends. Sometimes it’s going to their plays or their sports games, sometimes it’s showing up to the first meeting of the new club they’re starting so you’re sure they aren’t there alone. If you can’t show up physically, a written postcard makes the recipient feel incredibly loved (ask me how I know! Fridge front full of them and lifelong friends I’ll always show up for)

Roger Gans

Bit #2: Learn how to be a good friend

EsotericPunk

Respect and trust have many things in common but the most important is this: they take years to build and seconds to lose.

Katrina Renee

learn what your intuition feels like as early in life as you can, knowing how to recognize and listen to that instinct will help save you from so many mistakes.

Katrina Renee

community is inconvenient sometimes, but it’s incredibly important.

Victor Lewis

Smart always rubs out. At some point in everyone’s life you will reach a point where all that is left to get you where you want to be is hard work. Learn to do the work early, then you will be ready when your smart runs out.

Victor Lewis

Start a habit of exercise. It will help you in ways you cannot imagine

Ted Vician

The number of other men in my dorm I had to teach to do their own laundry, back in the 80s.

Ted Vician

Financial literacy is hugely underrated! Budget for the stuff you need like food and rent first, then see what’s left for stuff you want. Put all the money you can into your 401k from day one at work.

Sarah with an h

In the immortal words of Dr. Suess, "those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind"

Sarah with an h

Be nice to the weirdos and you'll be rewarded with the most delightful friends.

Chuck Meriam

Failure is an important part of learning and improving.

Kody Murdock

Stretching and knowing how to properly stretch will greatly improve your quality of life once you start aging 🥲

Ma's Nature Walks

If competition with others gets you down, think about how far you've come with your own successes and do what you can to become better at whatever you're working towards. Little steps add up to big steps, and there's nothing wrong with going at a different speed than someone else.

Erin Whidden

Always ask for sources. Then fact check the heck out of something before adopting it as truth.

Jaclyn McLean

Stay curious, and listen to the voice in your head/listen to your gut. You know when something feels right or wrong, be strong enough to trust yourself and not give in to a crowd.

fleeby

Stories are important. Listen to people's stories and make your own.

Esther Eline

If you spend a lot of time thinking about the worst outcome or scenario, treat yourself to spend the same amount of time thinking about the most likely outcome or scenario. This helped me a lot with anxiety issues!

fleeby

Learning is more important than grades.

Megan M

• Mistakes are good! It's the only way to learn new things. Make mistakes on purpose, do things badly, try stuff you don't know how to do. If you have a teacher, let them see your mistakes. It's how they know how to teach you. Without them they can't do their job! • Saying "I don't know, let's find out" is way cooler than pretending to know something. Never be ashamed of not knowing and asking questions. • Disappoint everyone in your life except yourself. (I got this one on the internet somewhere I think, but I can't remember where!) • Listen to what you need. Never be afraid to say "No." This goes for adults too. • These are from Matilda the musical, by Tim Minchin, but I love them and have them on my wall: "Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like "little" stop you." "Just because I find myself in this story, it doesn't mean that everything is written for me." - I interpret this one as: Life is unfair, horrible things happen, and you might get some really bad luck. Things can still get better. Always. • It's okay to just feel sad, or angry, whether you have a reason to or not. You don't have to be okay all the time. All feelings are important parts of being human, and feeling and showing your pain is allowed.

AnitaS

I went to a coming out as a crone party some years back. My friend wore a special hat and we all cheered her. There was one guy friend there too, and he brought all the food. We all had a great time!

fleeby

Be proud when you do something that is hard for you, even if it seems easy to other people.

Milady Moody

Don’t let the fear of being imperfect or not as good as someone else stop you from trying. You gotta suck first before you suck less/get good. Haha I wish I could have told my younger self that.

Amy

Two things 1) This too shall pass. This goes for the good and the bad in life so safe the good times and take a deep breath and know that the bad times will pass as well. 2) Step out of your comfort zone. These best way to grow is to try something new even if it's scares you.

Pamela K.

The best advice my father ever gave me: don't make any major life changing decisions before the age of 25.... Having kids, getting married, etc. Your brain matures and changes so much from 18 - 25, you are nowhere near the same person by the time you hit 25!

Gwen Kelly

Don’t be in too much of a rush to grow up. Adults may look like they’re having a great time but honestly being an adult is not that great. I spent a lot of time as a kid trying to grow up faster, then I got to be an adult and I really wish I had just enjoyed being a kid. Adulthood and responsibilities came soon enough without me rushing towards them

Olga Kolesnikova

Some advice I wish I could give my younger self: follow the path that calls to you, not what others around you think is best for you. Minor example: I took geography and history in school instead of textiles and cooking. I never use geography and history in my daily life. I could sure as heck have used being able to sew and cook! I did learn to cook anyway but sewing... nope. And that would have been SUCH a cool skill.

Lena Gwen

- you can cook rice as easily as pasta. Just mix 1 cup rice and 2 cups water and cook for 10 minutes. Close the lid. - you really should wash your clothes and your towels separately. And everything white or made of wool. But other than that, just throw it in together. - your taste in food can change. I never liked olives and mushrooms. Something changed when I turned 18 and now I love them.

Björn Fredberg

Don't be afraid to be bored sometimes. Sit in a park for awhile, without earphones, without a phone. Open your eyes and ears to what is around you and take it all in.

Taylor Sublett

Wear sunscreen! Basically just do that whole song one line at a time 😃

Naomi Jane

Ask your parents questions about themselves & keep a record (videos/scrapbook/ongoing phone note) of the little details that make them who they are. One day you can't ask any more and you'll wish you had.

Claire Nurc

Oh no, this one so much (I'm not a kid child anymore but just lost my last parent and so many things I never asked)

Kathy Clark

Remember that every expert had to start somewhere - in other words, the experts once didn't know anything about their subject! You can't be perfect the first time, so it's good to make mistakes in order to learn. Did you walk perfectly the first time you stood on your own two feet? Also - read lots of books and learn lots of stuff that you're curious about. Also, part 2 -- keep your shoelaces tied!

Björn Fredberg

The world is bigger, no matter how big you think it is. There is always something new to learn, and what you are raised to believe and think is true isn't necessarily true everywhere.

Claire Nurc

1. Put money into savings as soon as you start earning (or from pocket money), even if it's just pennies. 2. Find a club to get involved with, outside school if possible. Find your community and make the effort to nurture friendships. 3. Be curious. Ask questions. Look things up. Explore. Try different things. And keep doing that your whole life long.

hanidon

I know someone who had a 'Croning' ceremony, with older female friends there to welcome her into cronehood and share wisdom (and other friends there to celebrate, of course). I think they decided they wanted to celebrate and mark it as a major life transition, like how we mark birth, marriage, death, and rites of passage. I think it's fantastic, I hope I get to have a party or ceremony when I feel the time is right to claim 'crone' for myself.

Lene Olszeth

You're always welcome in a public library, even if you don't have an adult with you or even have a library card. You can always chill there, even if you don't want to read a book. My parents never brought me, even though I loved reading more than almost anything else, and I wish I knew I could just go myself when I was old enough to walk there.

Raja

This for perhaps the pre-teens and the teens out there: if there's something you think you'd like to know as an adult (another language for instance) consider learning it now. While it's never too late to learn new things, I find that the things I learned when I was younger 'stick' much better than what I learn as an adult. (Raja rhymes with Papaya)

Sarah Webber

Love this so much! My advice is that if anyone tells you something is 'too hard for you to learn or a boys thing' tell them they are full of shit and go learn how to do it anyway. If you don't know anyone who can teach you, you tube, libraries and wise old crones can teach you most things! I'm a self taught potter, blacksmith we, wood worker, hunter, homesteader and so many more fun things!

Sarah Webber

Also, if you are the smartest person in the room... You're in the wrong room!

Sarah Webber

I actually needed this first bit of advice. I can good croissants from scratch, but rice? Rice eludes me.

Raja

From someone who was always super self-concious as a kid: when you're in a group setting, people aren't paying as close attention to you as you think they are. Wait! I don't mean that in a bad way! I just mean that while it may feel like everyone is 'watching and judging you', they're most likely not. They're probably too busy focusing on themselves and aren't noticing all the details you think they may be noticing about you. (Raja rhymes with papaya)

Zyle

Never rely on anyone else to ensure your own happiness

Lena Gwen

It was a revelation for me. But croissants? That sounds good :)

Katie Sharp

A way we get our (7 and 4 year old) kids to remember life lessons right now is that if it rhymes, then you know it's true. So, for instance, sharing is caring, teamwork makes the dream work, and you should try new food 'cause it might taste good. Also some good advice for kiddos of all ages, at dinner time (which we always try to all sit down to together) we play the game of "Favourite Thing", where we go round the table and tell each other what our favourite thing of the day has been. It can range from the deeply wonderful and profound (marriages, births, life achievements), to the mundane but still glorious (a particularly good stick my daughter found on the way to nursery, or extra nice cuddles in bed before we all got up that day, or a really tasty sandwich). It developed out of a CBT exercise my partner and I started doing when I was DEEP in the throws of post natal depression, but it also gets the kids talking about their days, and helps us all reset at the end of the day. I actually find it especially helpful if it's been kind of a sucky day, because it forces me to go back and find at least one good thing that happened. As a side note, my 7 year old LOVES Smologies. Every week we listen to an episode each way when I'm taking him to and from his swimming lessons. The other day I overheard my kids playing a game where they had to pretend to be animals, and the 7 year old excitedly declared himself to be a hagfish 😆 Apparently the way you do this is lie down on the floor with your arms pressed to your sides, then start wiggling and flopping around, and declare anything/anyone you touch to now be "slimed" 😂

hanidon

I've got 5, I hope you don't mind the long post: • Asking questions is a superpower. If I don't know how something works it can seem impossible, and the people who do it might as well be wizards. But if I ask them how it works, suddenly it starts moving into the 'possible' category. I don't even have to learn to do it myself, I just learn how it's possible. If questions can make the impossible possible, that sounds like a superpower to me. • The best advice I got from my mum, though I don't know if all parents or teachers would appreciate you sharing it: The rules are here to keep everyone safe. If they're not keeping you safe, don't follow the rules. • If you're stressed about having made a mistake, and you can't let it go, try thinking about what you learned from it and then decide how you'll do it differently if you get to try again. Then spend a little bit of time imagining your new plan going well. This goes for social mistakes too, because sometimes those come back and make you cringe. Consciously noting what you can learn from it and how to respond differently next time can help. • There is very rarely only one way to do something - if you feel stuck, look at other routes to achieving your goal. If you want to paint grass but someone else has the green paint, you can mix blue and yellow. When you're tying your shoes, bunny ears are valid, sliding toggles are valid, any way of securing your laces is valid because your shoes are on your feet. You might think the only way to get your dream job is to get certain grades in your exams, but lots of courses and lots of jobs have alternative routes in, or ways to make up the difference. • Related, if you're butting heads with someone, take a minute to think about what each others goals are and if this is the only route to achieving them - you might find that there is a way to achieve both goals without fighting. Even better if you ask them about it and come up with a plan together, because then you're both invested in the new plan. Plus you've gone from arguing to working together and that relationship will be stronger than if you only argued, or just told them the new plan.

Debi Gliori

If the world outside your head feels too much from time to time, head for the comfort of green spaces, ideally forests. The trees have ( mostly) been around far longer than you, your parents or any of the current crop of idiots in charge of Earth's many tribes. The trees are better parents, guardians and leaders than most of the people we see on screens. Be more tree. Walk in the company of ancient beings. Breathe. And be a friend to the trees ; we need them more than ever.

Danielle Sucher

1. The first step to being good at something is being bad at it. 2. What does being wrong feel like? It feels like being right. 3. If we get separated on the subway, get off at the next step and wait on the platform exactly where you got off. That way I'll know where to come find you.

Em

Don’t feel like you have to ‘grow up’ so quickly. Make sure to always have a sense of wonder to the world around you. Also don’t get social media when you are young and pick up a book instead. It’ll help your mental health so much in the long run.

Carri Miller

Always ask before petting someone’s dog!

Kelly Klepfer

People have advice, it's not always useful or true for you. Be polite but know that you get to choose your own choices and your own consequences that go along with those. Good or bad. Your choice.

Kelly Klepfer

Also. Yes. Crone is badass. Own it! The world needs more crones for wisdom, knowledge, experience and magic reside there.

Kelly Klepfer

Freedom is a balance. Don't be so quick to grow up and become an adult that you make decisions that will cost you more than you want to pay. Adults have an earned wisdom and most of us want to help other people avoid consequences that come with some choices. If you have a trusted adult who cares about you. Do some research into what they are suggesting if you disagree. Cause and effect is a real thing. Every decision counts and as you get older the price tags can get pretty intense and long lasting.

Waylo

And if you think you are the ONLY smart person in the room, you are doubly wrong!

Kelly Klepfer

Everyone has kind of an agenda. Something that drives them that they think is best for them. What's important to you is important but it might not be for everyone. Sometimes people forget or don't know that their way might not work for everyone. Even teachers can be wrongish. I stopped singing because my mom said I sounded nasally. I thought I sucked at art because my art teacher graded rigidly. As an adult I've played around with both of those crushed dreams a bit. I regret absorbing other people's opinions and thoughts as black and white truth. I love art and singing, they bring me life, so now I do both.

Martin Jönsson-Niedziolka

As a child, being called childish is the worst! But don’t let others judge you, do what you like and know that when you’re older, being called childish is the best compliment! Also, as someone wrote below, sometimes being bored is good. Don’t be too quick to fill up every moment with content. Doing ”nothing’ gives you time to appreciate the world and reflect on things.

Kelly Klepfer

Don't make your lifelong learning journey dependent on anyone else. Government was taught by a teacher known to go off-subject and classmates would get him going on sports. Algebra was taught by a teacher who was more interested in being cool than teaching. Both of these areas are weak for me, but I know how and where to get the information I need now. Don't make a judgment about a subject or thing based on another person's knowledge or opinion or way of communicating. Your knowledge journey is a superpower, don't give it away, and use it thoughtfully with others.

Spencer Aldridge

I used to be a 4th grade teacher and said regularly, "Trying is the first step to succeeding." It's a great reminder for myself still since I tend to feel an urge to give up when working out something new!

Tammy Thibert

Be comfortable in your own skin…genuinely enjoy spending time with yourself. Solitude is magical & the longest relationship you will ever have is with the person staring back at you in the mirror! The sooner you can love and like the person you are (and the older versions too) you will find your journey on this planetary rock so much simpler & purposeful!

Leora Shimon

If you think you don't like a fruit or vegetable, go to your local farmer's market and try it there! You might still dislike it and that's fine, but you might discover something new and tasty. (Especially tomatoes-- grocery store tomatoes are a sad shadow of a freshly picked sun-ripened local tomato.)

Nick Mikash

Do what you love, love what you do.

Jeremy

It's ok to feel bored sometimes. Instead of turning to screens or electronics, go outside, try something new, explore something interesting, or hang out with friends.

Jenna Congdon

Just because there is a *generally socially acceptable* way to do something doesn't mean you have to do it that way. (ie- you don't need to go straight to college after high school and then straight to a "real" job). Don't let anyone talk you into doing something that doesn't feel authentic to you.

Theresa Wedekind

I’m a special education teacher and I tell my students if they’re unsure about a choice they’re making to ask themselves, “Is it safe? Is it kind?”

Jovie D.

We've been talking about consent since my girls were in diapers. We've taught the that no is a full sentence you only have to say once, and that "respect my body" is what they say when they are feeling uncomfortable.

Allison D

Grown-ups don't need your help with their body. (True emergency situation? The grown-up should ask you to find another grown-up to help; or to call 911.) -- You can make smores with all different kinds of candy. -- Most mammals like to be scratched behind the ears. -- ChatGPT makes things up sometimes and can even lie. Ask it to prove things to you if you're using it for something important. -- Sometimes you really do need to taste things more than once to see if you're going to like it. -- Learning about things can make them less scary.

leigh jolivette

Practice saying “no” and standing up for yourself. You never know when a situation arises where you need to advocate for yourself and you don’t want to be the first time you tell someone no. Take care of your hands! It’s a lot easier to loose a finger doing dumb shit than you think You need a “trusted adult” , Sometimes your parents won’t be it. But have an aunt/uncle/grandparent/teacher or someone SAFE you can tell things to. Making dumb choices will happen, but it’s important to tell a grownup to help you minimize it. ! Your big feelings are real! You don’t and shouldn’t have to ACT on everything you feel, but don’t shame yourself for feeling it

leigh jolivette

It really helped me conceptualize as a young queer black person that no matter how palatable I made myself , there’s still gonna be people who don’t like me on principle.

leigh jolivette

You need to be doing more art. You allowed to be bad at it, but you need to be making art! And consuming more art from a wide variety of creators. Put on a Bollywood movie, or K pop song

Julia Smith

This is more of a tangential offer, but I work in the children's book industry and would love to compile book suggestions to go along with Smologies episodes. We all learn in different ways, and this could help reinforce all the good advice and episode lessons.

Erin White

Make yourself a time capsule that you add a letter to yourself every year. Reread them all every time you open it to add another one. Mine is on a seven year schedule but it’s amazing to watch yourself change.

Sarah Chaney

You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do. -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Rob Morgan

As a retired teacher who has taught 4-13 year olds (mostly middle schoolers) leading and leaving with questions is always important. I think teaching people how make a habit of forming questions is essential to good learning. With that said, if you are looking for life lesson ideas, you can’t go wrong borrowing from the great sage, Fred Rogers.

The Farming Linguist

Shout out to this! A kid comes straight to my booth at the farmers market for a bunch of kale every week, and starts munching on it like a dinosaur. Last week his mom says, this is the only Kale he ever eats. I was floored!

Alli B

When you draw and want to make something look more realistic, you can find a picture of what you’re drawing and focus on the key details, like the shapes that make up the textures on reptile skin, or the shading that makes an open shark mouth look dimensional. Don’t be afraid to copy small sections of a picture at a time while you are learning, and keep practicing.

The Farming Linguist

Sometimes if you are trying to solve a problem or work on something and you feel stuck, the best solution is to take a little break and walk away.

Design 83

Advice for childeren, huh? 🙂 On priortizizing tasks, chores, homework, etc.: “You’ll never get to time do it - you have to -make- time to get it done.” Or the more pithy response to procrastination “No one ‘has’ time - and you certainly aren’t going to ‘get’ any more time. Make the time to do it” On identifying oneself and a ‘grown-up’ “When you start prioritizing the needs of others as much as own, you will be more adult then child. “ - but we’re all a bit childish sometimes … And general ideas like: “Live now, remember yesterday, and make tomorrow even better.” And, yeah, I doubt I ever said something exactly the sane way every time 🙂 I did always remind the children the golden rule, also.

Alli B

As you’re climbing, always find a safe place for your foot or hand to go. If you got up by yourself, you can get down by yourself.

Ashley Cissel Lee

Big feelings are like waves. Sometimes you can see them coming, sometimes they can surprise you. As sure as you are they can and will come, know they will also recede. Life is not about dodging the big feelings, they will come. It's knowing that it will eventually recede.

Alli B

Never put dish soap in the dishwasher. It’s not the same as dishwasher soap. (From a grown-up who filled the kitchen with bubbles as a kid.)

Isabelle Leclerc

Life is too short to be self-conscious. Live life like you want, wear the bathing suit, dance when you love the music, and don't waste a minute worrying about how silly you look.

BolognaShoes

i just scrolled through this thread and got big warm fuzzies--I think grownups need this advice more often . We LOVE smologies (kids are 5 and 3.) Rowan, my 5 year old, wants to be a "scuba diver paleontologist" and asked me to ask for an episode about that. PS -- Hearing you on Smash Boom Best was a great crossover that Ro definitely noticed and got very excited about.

Tracy Woodard

Join your school's theater program. If you don't have one, write plays and get the neighbor kids to help you stage it at local community centers. You will learn so many practical skills: time management, people management, memorization, the art of drawing in an audience, being okay with chaos, building a world out of duct tape and spite, and most importantly, having a weird story to tell when you're older.

Max G

When things are hard, whether at home or in the world, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. If you want to help but don’t know how, ask a trusted adult in your life for ideas of ways you can help with skills you have. Some ideas could be volunteering somewhere, calling your representative and having adults in your life do so as well, learning more about the issues and helping make sure that people aren’t sharing incorrect information, making art about a topic you care about and sharing it online (with your parent/guardian’s permission!), and learning about boycotts and asking your adults if it’s possible to change where they buy things.

Lisa H

Too many grown ups think they’re done learning and growing (they aren’t) and that they know everything they will ever know (they don’t). Don’t get stuck in this trap! Learn for life! Keep growing! -Ms. H.

Barbara Blackie

Love hearing other ideas! I was thinking way more practical- tips for how to view nature safely (for organisms and for people). Things like “the rule of 20” only pick flowers if there are at least 20 of them in a small area; only hold amphibians and fish with wet hands (so their skin stays moist and/or slimy). Do not lick a slug. Always peak under rocks in tidepools carefully and return the “roof” to the r “house” as quickly and carefully as you can to the exact spot.

Aych

some of the coolest opportunities in life start as mistakes (i was really scared of failure/imperfection as a kid. i've learned a lot of social skills and self-assuredness in sobriety in the last couple years, that i don't know how i would have found if i hadn't made the mistakes that lead me to those rooms)

Aych

reading this back... the point isn't to tell kids to develop drinking problems, to be clear. just to maybe look for opportunities for growth amid whatever mistakes they may find themselves making

SustainableSirenian

Similar to yours, Ali, don’t run on a moving walkway. I was racing my brother, fell, and my knee got stuck. Horrible way to come home after weeks away. Do not recommend!

Kelli Brockington

Know your parents (or guardians) names & phone numbers & where they work --- in case of emergency

Abby Sellers

One of my favorite pieces of advice to receive and use is courtesy of my youth pastor… “Don’t do anything stupid and obviously wrong.” If you’re having to ask yourself if it is stupid…. It probably is.

Abby Sellers

This reminds of Baz Lurhman’s “Everybody’s Free (Wear Sunscreen.)” ❤️ Which I constantly have to remind myself too.

Clairebear

If you are ever lost, stay calm and try to find a woman, preferably one with a kid, to help you.

Andrew McVay

After washing your hands, shake the water off them into the sink about 12 times. You’ll drip less water onto the floor on the way to a towel (which keeps the floor cleaner) and you’ll need fewer paper towels to get your hands dry and fabric towels will dry faster after using them.

Ron

My advice: Hang out with classmates you really like and who appreciate you for who you are. Some of these friendships will last a lifetime.

Darren Bush

Trust yourself more than you trust your friends, especially if you're talking about controlled substances. I have friend whose daughter ODed on Fentanyl -- from one use. My sister was an addict and died from an OD. This isn't a "just say no" to drugs a la Nancy Reagan. This is a practical advice to keep yourself safe. If people are not respecting your choices, they are not true friends.

Darren Bush

As Fred Rogers said, "Look for the helpers." I had a few honorary uncles who helped me when I couldn't really talk to my father about some things. Teachers can be incredibly helpful, so cultivate safe relationships with non-family adults in your life.

Bryn

You can pick your friends; you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose.

Kristin 🦦

Learn to fix something. It could be clothes or squeaky hinges, torn book pages or a flat tire, but be a mender. You’ll be able to help yourself and others, maybe find a hobby you love along the way.

ross t.

It's a short and simple message that I've carried with me since childhood: "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Jianjia Gettinger

It's socially risky to interupt people before they're done with their full idea.

Jianjia Gettinger

Give shyer people a couple of second of silence to respond. Some people need it and will open up to you more if you do so.

Amelia Díaz Ettinger

Okay, I am old and have raised two tremendous humans. I'm also the proud grandmother of four, and I worked as a high school teacher for 30+ years. All this to say, you are doing just what you are meant to do. Just be yourself, okay, minus some of the adult words some parents would find objectionable. Children are not miniature adults; they recognize honesty and truthfulness. You exude both of these qualities, and that is why your podcast is a hit. Enthusiasm is what anchors us to you, whether you're an adult or a child. One of the most challenging aspects of life is helping a child discover their passion, and I believe you have the right channel and the right attitude to do this. Not all of my students went into biology, nor did many learn to speak Spanish, but I knew I had this: passion. Honor yourself, and please refrain from describing yourself in the terms you used in this email. You might not ever have your biological children, but who knows how many children you already have? (my grandkids included).

a-dongle's-dongle

When people say "just be you" and you're not sure what "you" is... it's ​all the things that make you different. Love those things.

a-dongle's-dongle

Also to stay in the spot when you last saw your adult. Kids tend to wander and get more lost

Ambular

To the kids: If you feel like the weird one, GOOD. Weird is interesting. Weird is funny. Weird is future-you's superpower. I spent a lot of my childhood being the oddball with big feelings, niche jokes, and way too many opinions about Bette Midler and 3rd wave ska—and now? That same weirdness brought me the best friends, the coolest work, and a life that actually fits. Don’t sand down your edges to be more “normal.” That sounds exhausting and also boring. Be the most you you can possibly be. Eventually, you’ll find your people and they’ll be just as delightfully strange. I’ve raised two teens who’ve found their own beat, and they know they never have to shrink to fit. One of their aunties once told them, “Not everyone is going to like you”—and that’s not a flaw. That’s freedom. "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." – Oscar Wilde "Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." – Judy Garland (elective redhead, like us) If someone says you’re too much, remind them ska has eight band members.

Kirsten Love

Ask before petting a dog. And if a cat or dog is walking away or in their bed, they need a break/ a time out and leave them alone. Just like there are different tools in a tool box, car garage, jeweler, art studio, NASA, etc each adult has different tools they use. If one doesn't have the tools to fix your problem, it is okay to find another who does. Some problems may take longer to find someone who can help, but don't stop looking or get discouraged.

Keegan Newman

I had a 14 year old that I worked with last summer say “it’s everybody’s first time living” and I think about that a lot.

Dr. Lina Carpenter

When you have big feelings, think about where you feel it in your body. Our emotions aren't just in our heads, and our bodies have things to tell us! Sometimes if you figure out how to help the physical sensations you can better work through the big feelings. If you see someone disabled (like someone who's in a wheelchair or is blind) -- ASK before you help them. Don't assume they need your help, they're also a normal person living their normal life. Touching someone to "help" them without consent isn't helping -- it's rude! Trust your gut, even if others don't always agree with you. If you feel uncomfortable around someone, that's enough of a reason to stay away from that someone! When you're interacting with people, "no" and "I don't like that" are complete sentences. You do NOT need to have a "reason" to say no, and if you don't like something then YOU DON'T LIKE IT. Other people don't get to tell you you're "wrong" or "too sensitive" for not liking how something makes you feel, because feelings are feelings and aren't logical. Progress is better than perfection. Don't yuck someone's yum. During fights/disagreements it can help to pause and ask "what's our goal here?" or "what do you want from this?" Sometimes you'll realize you're arguing in circles or that someone just wants to be heard. When in doubt, try acceptance and compassion. Before having an opinion on or making a judgement about what someone tells you, be curious about it. Even if you don't want to, try a "hello bite" of foods or activities. You can't say you don't like something if you haven't actually given it a chance!

Keely Chavez

This is what we taught our kids too, “normal is boring”. And they sure are interesting adults

Keely Chavez

I was thinking of it reading the thread as well

Keely Chavez

We’re reinforcing this with our nieces who were raised on junk and rushed home cooked foods. Funny how a farmer’s market and a little time makes things taste so good. I heard Jamie Oliver say a kid has to try something 12 times! Maybe at least try it a few times a few months or years apart because your palate changes.

Ninja Squirrel

If you wouldn't go to someone for advice, don't listen to their criticism.

Amy Lincoln

It’s okay to be uncomfortable- it’s often how we grow (but it does take time to learn the difference between harmful pain and helpful discomfort.) Also, there are no “bad” feelings. All feelings are valid (it’s even okay to have mean thoughts), it’s what you choose to do with them that makes them good or bad.

Keely Chavez

Yes! If you need a favor you’d be surprised how people will help you out, like changing seats on a bus or plane. 💜

Keely Chavez

A house rule with our (now grown) kids: Don’t lie. Especially to people you care about. Sometimes you will make mistakes, or wish things happened differently. But It has a bunch of complications like trying to figure out and remember fake details, and feeling guilty. It can also make the other person feel you don’t respect them or that you don’t think they are smart enough to figure it out, making the whole situation worse. Telling the truth can be scary, or uncomfortable, but it is simpler and you get to a solution with someone a lot faster. People will often work through it with you, and will at least respect your honesty.

Keely Chavez

Family: Sometimes you will not get along with your parents, this is normal. But try to remember they love you and are trying their best for you. It’s okay to tell them how these times make you feel, as nicely as you can, they have feelings too. Siblings can be annoying in lots of ways, you might not even like them right now, but someday they will be the people who understand your stories about growing up. So keep giving them a chance to be cool.

Keely Chavez

And wash them for the amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday in your head at least 2 times

Keely Chavez

I got this one a lot as a kid in the form of “not trying is a guaranteed failure”

Keely Chavez

OMG YES (as that young person you listed) also add HOW do we let them join the military?!

Keely Chavez

Keep moving. The less you move, the harder it is to get started again.

Laura Wood

Learn to cook and clean properly. Your future self will thank you. Also, accept that you will fail. But failure doesn’t mean everything is over. It means you tried. And hopefully you learn something from it. You will learn more from your losses than your wins. Take accountability for mistakes you make and harm you cause. It can be uncomfortable to admit you were wrong but it’ll save relationships and build trust back up. Celebrate your accomplishments and the accomplishments of your family and friends. And find hobbies (sports, crafts, music, baking, whatever) that you enjoy. Adults often try to tamp down interest in these things because the odds of making a profitable career out of it are low. But hobbies don’t have to become careers. It’s ok to just enjoy them.

Cindy Marcum

Always treat animals kindly, humans included.

Keely Chavez

…and everyone thinks they have more time…

Andrew McVay

“Try chips in a sandwich” -Liz Lemon (from 30 Rock)

Andrew McVay

Yes, and… It’s a great tool for actors and improvisation, but also, everyone. Contribute to the conversation 👍

Andrew McVay

Cupcakes can be messy. If you tear the top half off, turn it upside down and sandwich the frosting between the top and bottom they’re less messy

Pamela K.

Wow I never thought about that!! Talk about life altering.

JamieBee

Secrets should be fun, if someone tells you a secret that makes you feel icky, tell a trusted adult.

Lauren R

How to know if your game/activity/prank/conversation is a good one: Is *everyone* having fun &/or is engaged? • Look at their faces. Do you see smiles *and* eye crinkles? • Are they sharing ideas & asking questions too? • Are they laughing when you do, & do they look happy when they laugh (quickly check for eye crinkles)? • Do you see anyone looking sad or uncomfortable? Consent is enthusiastic, so if everyone isn't enjoying the activity then it's time to stop. We want everyone to feel safe & happy!

Lauren R

Having big feelings isn't bad! It's okay to feel angry, frustrated, annoyed, sad, and all the other feelings. We just need a plan for how to have them safely & kindly. (I know it's not fun to realize you've hurt someone's feelings when you were upset!) You can work with a helpful grown up to make a plan & then practice it while you're feeling good. Maybe you need the adult to breathe with you. Maybe you need to go somewhere to safely let your feelings out through using your big voice, jumping up & down, or pushing on something sturdy like a wall. Then, the next time you're having a hard time with a big feeling you can use your plan to keep you and everyone else safe while you feel your feelings until they pass! For adults wanting to learn more about helping kids with their big feelings & making plans: One resource is the Conscious Discipline methodology initially developed by Dr. Becky Bailey.

Deborah L Blanton

Never stop learning about new things and things you think you already know about. Count to ten before you say words that can’t be taken back. Be kind to everyone (including yourself) and everything.

Lauren R

It's okay to not like a food today. You might like it in the future, or you might not! Sometimes the first step is just to accept it on your plate. Then, maybe another time you can try touching it to see what it feel like or smelling it to see what it smells like. Later, you can decide if you want to taste it. You might love it, or you may not be sure about it yet. And, you might try it a few more times before you decide you like it! Trying new foods is a process. :) Also, other things in life can be like this--be patient with yourself!

Lauren R

"YET" is a powerful word. It's really easy for our brains to develop a habit of being hard on ourselves. One way to help your brain change this to a gentler habit is to add "yet" when you start to say something negative about yourself (in your head or out loud). -> "I can't do this yet." "I'm not good at that yet." "I don't like that food yet." When you're ready to level up, start figuring out the next step of learning how to do the thing. So: "I'm not good at this yet, but I can keep practicing." or "I can't do this yet, but I know who can help me learn." Mistakes are how we learn what doesn't work, and we really only fail when we quit trying.

Lauren R

My kiddo goes through picky phases, but he never turns down "Stuart & Alice carrots." I.e., Carrots grown by our local farmer friends.

Lauren R

Also, my spouse grew up in a big city and didn't know he liked tomatoes, green beans, etc. until he tried he ones from my mom's garden.

Lauren R

SO important. A wagging tail is not an invitation. Depending on how the tail is wagging, it may even be a warning.

Lauren R

Also, "No" and "Stop" are complete sentences. If someone uses their words, listen even if others aren't. And if others aren't, repeat your friend's words. "I heard them. They said, stop."

Lauren R

Even as it's important to be kind and respectful to others, it isn't your job to make everyone happy. You do your part, and they are responsible for theirs!

Lauren R

Also, now you won't end up with bites of cake that have no frosting!

Kevin Trehan

It's not only okay to make mistakes, it's necessary. That's how we all learn and grow. Be open to new ideas and perspectives and try again!

C A

Say "yes" to new opportunities, even if they're very scary and you feel like you can't do it.

Lauren R

No one can think straight (let alone have their best thoughts or make good choices) when they're really upset. Human brains just don't work that way. So: • When you're upset, take some breaths & give yourself time before you speak, make decisions, or do anything else. • If someone says/does something they wouldn't normally, know two things. 1) Being upset doesn't make it okay that they said/did it, AND 2) It's really not about you, so try to let it be a them problem and don't take it to heart. If they're a loved one, you can of course let them know it was hurtful so they can apologize when everyone is calm again. -- "I felt hurt when you, XYZ."

Mike Campbell

A few things I would’ve loved for my future self to travel back in time and tell me when I was younger: If you invent a time machine to go back and talk to your past self, wait until you’re almost dead. That way, you won’t miss any good last-minute lessons learnable. Read Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”. When you calmly ask with confidence for something you deserve, it not only benefits you; it also benefits everyone around you. In life, you’re going to be evaluated a lot. Remember, you won’t be evaluated based on how you handle the softballs; you’ll be evaluated based on how you handle the hardballs. (I know nothing about sports. If I used this metaphor incorrectly, I’m willing to be forgiven.) Sometimes it pays to be your toughest critic, and it always pays to be your most compassionate one. Everyone makes mistakes. What distinguishes happy, effective people isn’t that they make fewer mistakes; it’s how they handle them. It’s OK to be different, and remember this applies to everyone else, too.

Lyssa Mercier

Growing up does not mean leaving behind the things you love. Your interests are not childish, no matter what people may tell you, they are a part of you. Who knows where your passions and curiosity may lead?

Julie Dupre

That you don’t have to be a genius in the conventional U.S. school system way to be in the science field. I thought that growing up and I missed out. I wish I would’ve heard Merlin Tuttle’s episode when he talks about that when I was a child. It’s about passion, not grades.

Jack Schneider

Keep being the nicest and most compassionate person you know and don’t let anyone or anything pressure you into leaving your empathy behind.

Bob Keeney

That instrument that you sort of like but don't really want to practice and you think that you stink at it? Your future self will appreciate that you stuck with it because you'll get better (and it's okay not to be great at it) and make some awesome musician friends along the way.

Bob Keeney

Don't be afraid to try something odd, or out of the blue. Sometimes saying YES to something is the scariest thing you can do but also some of the most amazing and rewarding experiences.

julia_loves_fun_facts

Two things I tell kids in my life -don’t yuck someone’s yum: just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean you should badmouth it, or make fun of people who do -don’t easy other peoples hard: things you find easy may be hard for others, and the opposite is often true too. And also: people aren’t thinking about you as much as you worry they are, so do the fun things that make you happy, you will not be judged as much as you may worry

Felix Lasselle

Nobody has it figured out and there are no rules. Don't let arbitrary social constructs tell you what you can/can't do or like/dislike etc. Find something you enjoy figuring out and appreciate the journey. Be nice to people along the way and give yourself grace when you mess up. Everybody makes mistakes, own up to them and learn from them.

Tim Pagaard

Advice for kids I wish somebody had told me—and that I told both of my sons when they were teenagers: There’s no such thing as cool. Tim Pagaard. (If you use it, you can credit me as Tim and skip trying to pronounce my last name. Or try it: PAY-gard, like pay-the-guard, with the accent on the PAY.)

Darren Bush

To that, I say yes, and this: not everyone is born with a toolbox full of all the tools you need to live life. Some are born into poor circumstances with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, and some come with a full set of everything. I learned that with good therapy and tenacity, you can pick up more tools every step of the way. I don't have a complete set yet (at 63) but I am trying to pick up the odd tool now and then. Even without a full set of wrenches. Also, emotional resilience is more important than IQ. Better bright and kind than a cruel genius. I have hired people at my business for what they knew, but had to fire them for who they are. I have also hired people for who they are, and trained them to do what they need to learn. You can't train kindness.

Darren Bush

And rude. Men, especially, don't talk over women.

Darren Bush

And you can't wipe your friends under the couch seat.

Tanner

Science and art exist together! You can love STEM and be artistic, or vise versa, and find career paths that match. Maybe this is more obvious today with the rise of sci comm (🥳), but I wish someone had told me that I didn't need to choose between studying creative arts and science.

Steve Kelem

You don't need a uterus to have kids! I adopted a cute little girl from China. She's now 25, living near by in the SF Bay Area.

Meg is Me

If a teacher says you're bad at art that doesn't mean you're bad at all art, it means that the very specific technique you were just working on doesn't come naturally to you but you might be amazing at sculpture or fashion design or wire work or some other form of art. (My year 7 art teacher told me I was bad at art based on my inability to draw realism. I held that belief for a long time until I was forced to do art therapy and had a very lovely and patient art therapist. Now I absolutely love so many forms of art, I particularly love working with polymer clay and I realise she was wrong. I still do art therapy and almost every new person who comes into the art therapy space starts by saying they are bad at art and when asked why they think that it's generally because their art teacher told them so, and I'm pretty sure every single one has realised their art teacher was wrong)

Meg is Me

By extension this probably applies to most or all subjects, not being great at basketball doesn't mean you might not be a good swimmer, not understanding chemistry doesn't mean you might not ace biology, not being traditionally academic doesn't make you stupid or mean you wont find the job youre perfect for. A teacher who says a blanket statement of "youre bad at 'x' subject" is only showing their own short sightedness

Elizabeth Aracic

OMG I teach Juniors and Seniors at your alma mater. I literally give my students a piece of "life advice" every day at the end of the period. I think for younger kids, the best advice I have is "be where your feet are." It's so easy to be thinking of all the other things about other places. It's hard to be present. On my classroom walls I have, "be prepared / be present / be respectful." I also have "be who you are / be who you want to be." But a lot of my advice is pragmatic: 1. before you start a flight, negotiate who will get the arm rest's front versus its back. 2. The best way to get out of a conversation at a party is to just announce where you're going and go there: "I'm going to the kitchen." "I'm going to go look outside the window." Does it matter where? No of course it doesn't. 3. One of the most interesting questions you can ask someone is what has surprised them about their job or their life in general. You get some honest answers and they're always interesting. 4. Just because people are older than you doesn't mean they are wiser. 5. If you know you're going to cry at a time you don't want to, cry before you go. You'll get it out of your system. 6. If you aren't feeling confident about what you're doing, "pretend you're good at it." and then you will be. 7. When you're traveling, go to grocery stores. You'll spend less than eating out, and you'll get to see things like milk in bags or wine in juice boxes. 8. If you get nervous when you're walking by yourself, start singing to yourself loudly. No one will mess with you because they know you have a big voice. 9. Ordering a bowl at Chipotle and then a tortilla on the side gives you a lot more food than just ordering a burrito. 10. The kinds of boys who make you cry are not the ones you should be crying over. 11. Technology isn't working? Turn it off and turn it on again. 12. No mood is too low that a chinchilla can't help it. 13. Buying books and reading books are two different hobbies, and that's totally okay. 14. "Go to bed. End this day. Get a new one" rather than staying up late ruminating. 15. The best mashed potatoes are whipped potatoes, with a full stick of butter. 16. If you're packing a car, you really need to think about 3-d hypotenuses. 17. You don't actually have to know what you're "doing with your life" until you're about 28. Everything you do will just make you more interesting later. Don't do anything evil or wrong. But, sure, work at Peet's, teach English in Tibet, intern at a water treatment plant. Why not? 18. Listen more than you talk. 19. When someone is giving you criticism, try to listen to the "note" under the "note." And as awful as it is, sometimes people you don't like or don't respect give you helpful feedback so you need to separate those two, 20. Never turn your back on the ocean. I have so many more of these. Just ask and I can keep going...

Rachael Gardner

This thread is so amazing! I’m going to return to it when my inner kid needs a pep talk or some soothing. When my daughter leaves for preschool I tell her “be kind to your friends and listen to your teachers. Be kind to your teachers and listen to your friends”

Rachael Gardner

Also, big hurrah for Team Crone! My uterus is present but closing down operations. Excited for my coven days ahead

Amy E Kirby

Don't eat bananas if you are going near beehives. They love bananas and will be attracted to your breath.

Shannon Nussear

Know how credit works and learn the best ways to use it and the WORST ways to use it. Learn about interest rates and the true costs of using credit! Learn how to make a budget too!

Mary S

Sincere advice that helped me when I was a kid... Whenever you are worried about whether or not someone likes you, tell yourself "It doesn't matter. I like THEM." And then act like you like them.

Erica White

Brish your teeth. Beware fillings are NOT a permanent fix, they will have to be replaced every 10 years and can lead to root canal or tooth being pulled.

Darren Bush

"You'll never be good at [X]." I heard that a lot as a kid. By whose standards? I'll never win a James Beard award, but I love cooking. I'll never have a picture in an art gallery, but I'm a pretty decent artist. I'll never play in the Chicago Symphony, but I'm a decent musician. Now I'm 63 and I enjoy what I do. Someone will always be better than me at everything. And I am certainly better at everything than my second grade teacher, Miss Dobbs. Yes, we remember. Tread lightly around children's dreams.

Darren Bush

I have a friend who is a stats professor. He's well-respected and went back to school as a professor in his late 30s to get his MFA in horn performance.

Bet Smith

Slime! Slime molds, slug slime, sap, different kinds of slime and what they have in common?

Alex Attie

My third grade art teacher would mark through my “mistakes” with a permanent marker. My mom used to tell me I couldn’t carry a tune. I practiced a lot and now I sing really well. When people criticize you, it’s probably a projection of their own insecurity! Be stubborn, practice what you love, and manifest your own destiny!

Graycee Maldonado

I have no children yet, but I am a nanny! I think my best advice to children is to remind themselves that it's okay to grow and change and love every stage of yourself even if you aren't where you want to be, yet!

Amanda

Anytime somebody asks you your favourite thing (colour, class at school, food, sport--whatever), add "because" to your answer. Some examples: "blue is my favourite colour because it reminds me of the ocean"; "soccer is my favourite sport because we practice outside"; "math is my favourite class because it's first thing in the morning and that's my favourite time of day." Figuring out WHY you like something will help you find more and more things you like to fill your life with.

Melinda Geiser

I think kids need to hear that they absolutely can do anything they want, become anything, achieve anything. BUT IT TAKES WORK. real, hard, tenacious WORK. I feel like kids aren't regularly encouraged to set their mind to distant goals and genuinely work to get there.

clover.ausrine

Don't let your differences make you believe you're less than. Just because you might look at a problem differently or think through things differently, does not make you less of a person or make your opinions less valid. -your friendly neighborhood autistic 20-something

Smiley Kylie (she/her)

- Babies and tattoos last forever -from my AP Bio teacher John Dunt My senior quote was “4+5=9, but so does 6+3. Respect other people’s way of thinking” -unknown ☺️

Lemon L

Love this for adults also 😍

Lemon L

This sounds useful but terrifying

Lemon L

Love that!

Lemon L

These are so good!!!

Lemon L

Some of the best advice I got as a teenager is that if you’re shy or just don’t know what to say to someone, ask people questions about themselves - people generally love talking about themselves! That helped me a lot

DelilahD

Second grade teacher here: All emotions are okay but all reactions are not! What you do with those emotions matter - treating others wrong does not fix those emotions within you. (Also bonus here: everything was once hard and you only get the chance of it being easy by working to that point. I use this one with academics a lot because they can feel so discouraged when something doesn’t “click” in their minds at first. )

Keri Turner

Shel Silversteen might actually have all your answers? My advice: Yelling never makes a problem better. If you're mad, that's totally fine, but as soon as you start to yell it's like an avalanche - now you're in an argument, and that makes it harder to think rationally. Take a breath, or 3, and say whatever is that's got you mad. But yelling only ever starts a fight, it never solves a problem. Unless that problem is it's too loud in here and you want to go somewhere quiet. The yell that. Oh. Every rule has an exception. Every one.

beau bryant

Don’t sweat the small stuff and most of it is small stuff.

Allison Clark

Never stop asking questions and looking for answers. ✨

etherdog

An idea stands on its own merits. Live by the scientific method and you will have the richest life possible.

Ranger France

I was told this at 15, trying to start my way into a career field, "You can teach anyone the facts and skills with time, but you can never teach them the passion needed to do the job well" Also, one of the religious resource people at my weird boarding school told everyone from ages 1-99, "You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are worthy of love" every time he saw them. In fact many of us went on to get a tattoo of this saying! 15 years later I still say it to myself!

Nancy

Hi Dad Ward! As a children's mental health therapist, I am constantly giving unwanted advice to children. I also have a feral raccoon child of my own who I am trying to train so my life is full of children who don't listen to me. A lot of my advice for kids who struggle with anxiety/depression/adultification is to ask themselves if something is actually their job or responsibility (ex: will we have enough food or what if dad is cheating on mom), and if it isn't, then to imagine putting that worry into a little boat called "SS Not My Job" captained by a mouse (kiddo can choose the name of the mouse captain) with a tiny hat with an anchor on it, set it into a local body of water, and watch it get gusted away on a gentle but steady breeze as they wave and say goodbye to it before strolling to a nearby ice cream truck and getting a rocket pop or other cold treat of their choice. Hope this helps! - Nancy

Jackie G

Flying on airplanes is exhausting and dehydrating. Despite best intentions, people often arrive cranky, thirsty, tired and hungry. One of the kindest ways to welcome someone when you go to pick someone up at the airport is to bring them a snack and some water and maybe a coffee or a soda with caffeine depending on time of day. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, whatever snacks or drinks you happen to have in the kitchen. Similarly, when houseguests arrive or a family member returns home from a trip, give them time to take care of their physical needs (have some water or food, use the bathroom, maybe even take a shower or a nap if they've traveled a long time) before expecting them to chat, no matter how eager you are to catch up.

Ann Eby

Tell your parents to take your phone away.

Katy

You could be the most heroic, hardworking, talented person in the world and still get no where without support. Find a team who will support you and you will do great things together. (I am thinking of this in the context of interviewing for jobs but this applies to more than that)

Sara Swank

one of my favorite quotes ever that could be shared as wisdom is “nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” -lao tzu

Sara Swank

something that i would share with the masses but idk how to put into words perfectly is: smart people change their minds, part of being smart is being willing to learn that your previous thinking could have been wrong!!

Sara Swank

advice i wish i new as a wee lad: learn how to be mindful, like really, truly, properly mindful and allow yourself time to practice mindfulness daily, this will help you feel more connected and more in control of your own life

Sara Swank

wisdom i live by (especially when navigating difficulties or differences in a relationship i value): if it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying / thinking about it. example: my sister who i love and care about more than anything got the wrong kind of something at the store; an inconvenience but not reason to be mad at her or potentially damage our relationship

Kathy Connelly

Oh honey get a new dentist. I’m 67 and have fillings that are going strong at 45.

Kathy Connelly

They don’t love them. The chemical that produces the banana smell is the same chemical in their alarm pheromone. It triggers a defensive response.

SVGD

Advice: keep asking questions. You dont know what you'll learn!

Lindsey Wallace

if people think you're weird - you're doing something right!!

LesLee

I’m 58 and "SS Not My Job" is the advice I didn’t know I needed!!!

LesLee

I’m a professional artist and if an art teacher tells you that you are bad at art, what’s actually the case is that they are bad at teaching.

LesLee

It’s absolutely unnecessary to learn to color inside the lines, literally and metaphorically. (And for Alie: CRONE LIFE, BABY!!!)

Angelica N AZ

It's ok to fall (make a mistake) that's how we learn.

Eileen

Wise advice from my brilliant late Aunt: There are things that make good hobbies, and things that make good careers. Figure out what you can do that makes a good career, then you can afford to do the things that make good hobbies.

Alie Ward

I used this one in the upcoming Smologies episode about FUN! Thank you!

Alie Ward

I used yours, Rachael, in the Smologies episode for Sharks!

Alie Ward

Erica I used your tooth-brushing advice in the upcoming Smologies for Mythology! Thank you!

CrickArt

Perfection is only a concept, not an achievable reality. No human is “perfect” and you are not and cannot somehow become the exception by trying hard enough. Imperfections are neither inherently undesirable nor indications of failure. Relax.

CrickArt

Mistakes can be happy accidents in both art-making and in life—if you’re focused on perfection you can miss the valuable gifts of screwing up and having to figure out what to do next. Life is a series of improvised interactions with imperfect people/places/things/institutions and navigating imperfect experiences. No one has a manual because there isn’t one; everyone is a novice at everything once. Do your best to do your best, let the rest go.

BolognaShoes

To "yes, and" this, I'll say what I've been coaching my ADHD, highly sensitive 5 year with-- Sometimes it's hard to live in a world where the rules don't make sense-- as long as you know the rules, you don't have to follow them if it doesn't feel good, but you have to be kind. When he gets older, it will probably change to something along the lines of "Question everything."

poisonedcheerios

Bodies look different, and that is ok! Everyone grows in different ways, and you are uniquely you. No matter how awkward or insecure you feel now, I guarantee that in a few years you will be looking back and thinking "aww i was such a cute kid". Trust.

poisonedcheerios

Try new things while your brain is still malleable

poisonedcheerios

Crayfish swim backwards, so if you want to catch one, kerp that in mind! You will want to hold them right behind their pincers so they cant pinch you.

poisonedcheerios

If you see a worm on the sidewalk, after the rain especially, put em on the grass! They come out before rain to avoid drowning in their tunnels, but being on the sidewalk can make them vulnerable to sun, birds, boots, etc

Catherine Jameson

I am neither better than or worse than other people. I am exactly as valuable as each and every person.

Butler2Batman

We all have a “Crone Bone” for you Ally! 🤍 I would say the best advice for kids or anyone would be “dont lick stuff.”

Ologies fangirl

I tell my kids every night before they go to bed, “yeah you’re pretty great and all, but you know the thing I would change about you if I could? Not a single fricken thing.” As they approach the scary teenage years, I’ve taken to reminding them that no matter how bad their day is, no matter how much their heart is broken, no matter how embarrassed they are at school, no matter how scared they are about something, they’ll be happy if they can live in the moment and remember that no matter how bad things get they will always rebound and get amazing again.

g0ose0nTheLo0se

It’s okay to quit things. It’s great to try them, but it’s also okay to quit them! Do the things you care about, not everything everywhere all at once!

Mtlgrlie

Wow Elizabeth. I’m new here and just felt ologied by you! Thank you for all of that great life advice. 💐

Mtlgrlie

That’s lovely!