Lessons for Charlie

I was recently talking with someone about the lessons I hope to teach my children and thought that this might be a good forum for putting a lesson plan together. Although all children will learn life lessons from their parents, as well as others in their lives, I hope to share wisdom, insight and talents in unique ways with each of my kids. In the spirit of honoring the eldest, I'll start with Sir Charles (AKA Chachi, Little Chuck, Charles Edward, Charlie Eddie, Cha Cha)....

1. Have animals in your life, preferably dogs.
2. Read - books, newspaper articles, comic books, love letters, magazines, directions and labels.
3. Listen to music every day, and don't be afraid to sing along!
4. Say hello to strangers as you meet them in passing, and hold doors open for the elderly.
5. Blow bubbles.
6. Mow the lawn in straight lines whenever possible.
7. Return phone calls.
8. Give to charity.
9. Use your turn signal.
10. Better to be early than late.
11. Eat meat.
12. Put the toilet seat down when you're done.
13. Learn how to fly a stunt kite.
14. Send your mothers a birthday card every year.
15. Know how to drive a stick shift.
16. Learn how to swim.
17. Turn the lights off when you leave the room.
18. Learn how to talk about what you feel as much as what you think.
19. Travel and explore your world.
20. Live, love and laugh like nobody's watching.