Eleven Life Lessons I Want My Eleven Year Old Son to Know

Today my baby boy, my oldest turns eleven. And instead of the usually sappy letter I write, I want to impart some advice I hope he can take to heart.

Eleven Life Lessons I Want My Eleven Year Old Son to Know

1. Treat people well. Even if they may not be as nice to you. Be the person you want to be friends with.

2. Respect women. That means respect a woman if she says no. No to being your girlfriend, no to dating you (though at 11, I know you aren’t thinking about that yet). No means no. No matter what.

3. Don’t make fun of someone because they’re different from you. Also, don’t join in if someone else makes fun of someone.

4. Be the person who helps up the person that has been knocked on the ground. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.

5. Be safe — don’t keep your nose in your smartphone (which you don’t have yet) as you walk. Be aware of your surroundings.

6. Always have a $20 bill hidden in your wallet for emergencies, even if you carry a credit card.

7. Don’t buy things you can’t afford and don’t owe money to credit card companies. You don’t need to bankrupt yourself to have the latest iPhone.

8. Learn to cook and shop for groceries with a budget. It’s healthier to cook for yourself and live within your means.

9. Sleep 8 hours a night and drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Right now you don’t see a value in sleeping, but you will once you get older. I know you don’t really like to sleep, but when you get to be my age, you’ll realize that you do need your rest. Keep hydrated, your body needs water to work properly.

10. Call your mother. At least once a week, perhaps more. While you may be sick of me now, when you’re grown up, you’ll still need me.

11. Love. Love your family, love your friends, love your country. Just love.

What else should I tell him?

Eleven Life Lessons I Want My Eleven Year Old Son to Know