When it comes to parenting, you have a responsibility to share words of wisdom and advice with your children. Advice that will shape them into respectful, working, dreaming, and dedicated adult souls.

In life, the things that matter most and advice given to your children throughout childhood can go a long way to help mould them for the future.

Here are my 45 fantastic pieces of advice to share with everyone you love!

1. Never shake a person’s hand while sitting down. Look in people’s eyes when talking ot them.

2. Smile at people!

3. Always be honest, even if the truth hurts.

4. During a negotiation – never make the first offer.

5. Always request a late check-out.

6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it. No matter what!

7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.

8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.

9. Play with passion or don’t play at all.

10. When shaking someone’s hand – grip firmly and look them in the eye.

11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.

12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.

13. Put your electronic devices away when outdoors. Look, listen, smell and feel your surroundings.

14. When you marry, you marry their family as well.

15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath. But not all the time.

16. Experience the serenity of travelling alone.

17. Never be afraid to ask out the smartest person in the room.

18. Never turn down a breath mint.

19. Love hard. Kiss.

20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising it.

21. Appreciate what you have in life. Be thankful.

22. Eat lunch with the new kid. Don’t be mean to the new kid.

23. After writing an angry email, text or letter, read it carefully. Then delete it.

24. It’s okay to cry.

25. Ask somoneone else to play than mom. They won’t let you win.

26. Manners are important. Never stop using them.

27. Give credit. Take the blame.

28. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those who are bullied.

29. Write down your dreams. Then live them.

30. Always protect your family. (and teammates).

31. Be confident and humble at the same time.

32. Call and visit your (grand)parents often. They miss you.

33. The healthiest relationships are those where you’re a team; where you respect, protect, and stand up for one another.

34. It’s okay to ask for help. 

35. Success comes after many failures. Never give up, for each failure is a stepping stone towards success. 

36. Smile and laugh often. It’s good for the soul. 

37. Look up at the stars. 

38. Don’t ever stop learning.

39. Don’t ever give up who you are for someone else.

40. Always maintain your integrity. 

41. Make time for your family. 

42. Treat others the way you want to be treated. 

43. Read, write and create. 

44. Just because you grow older doesn’t mean you have to stop being a kid! Play, have fun, explore and enjoy life! 

45. Be you.