Written for 13 to 17. If anything online or in real life ever worries you, talk to a parent, a teacher or another adult you trust. You will not be in trouble.
Do
Look adults in the eye and shake their hand.
You will be the only one your age who does it. It works like a superpower.
Do your chores without being asked twice.
Your parents will be so surprised they may need to sit down.
Get a job, even a small one.
Mowing lawns counts. Money you earned spends differently.
Stick up for the kid getting picked on.
It only takes one person. It might as well be you.
Thank the lunch staff, the bus driver and the janitor.
They run the school. The principal just has a nicer office.
Learn to cook one thing.
Start with eggs. Nobody has ever regretted knowing how to make eggs.
Tell your parents where you're going.
You are not being tracked. You are being loved. Annoying, but true.
Practice something hard every day.
Guitar, free throws, algebra. Getting good is just showing up on the boring days.
Put the phone in another room at night.
Your brain grows while you sleep. It cannot grow while scrolling.
Help carry the groceries in.
Two minutes of work buys about a week of goodwill.
Wear your seatbelt. Every time.
Even for the drive to the corner store. Especially then.
Ask your grandparents what life was like when they were young.
Some of those stories are wild.
Hold the door, for everyone.
You would be amazed how often it makes someone's day.
Admit it when you mess up.
It is faster than the cover-up and way less stressful.
Don't
Don't text and drive. Ever.
No message is worth it. Not one. Pull over or let it wait.
Don't post anything you wouldn't say to your grandma.
The internet never forgets, and your grandma might find it.
Don't join in when a group turns on someone.
Walking away says plenty.
Don't let a game eat your whole weekend.
The loot will be there Monday. The sunshine might not.
Don't mouth off to your parents.
They have survived worse than your attitude. They were teenagers too.
Don't copy homework.
You get the grade today and the confusion forever.
Don't start the project at 11 p.m. the night before it's due.
Future you has had enough of present you's nonsense.
Don't try something just because everyone else is.
"Everyone" is usually three guys and one bad idea.
Don't keep secrets for anyone online.
If someone online asks you to hide something from your parents, tell a parent or teacher today. You will not be in trouble.
Don't leave dishes in your room.
Something is growing in that cereal bowl, and it wants to be your roommate.
Don't make fun of how anyone looks.
Everyone is doing their best, including you in the photos your mom will show people later.
Don't skip breakfast.
Your brain runs on fumes until lunch, and it shows in second period.
Don't forget to say "I love you" to your family.
It feels awkward. Say it anyway. They will never forget it.
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