As my 14 loyal fans are awaređ, I am a huge fan of the REAL & RAW AF @markmanson
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He posts a free newsletter every Monday. I highly recommend it. How to sign up: https://markmanson.net/newsletter
Itâs called MINDFUCK MONDAY. Which I usually read on Tuesday because Iâm too tired on Monday to be mindfucked.đ
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Sometimes Mark is way harsh⊠and I want to crawl back in bed and hide under the covers. đ I eventually process and see where Iâm wrongâŠor think more about what he means in ways that make sense in my brain…then move forward.

My kids are at this stage of where explaining to them how to make decisions based on their personal values needs to happenâŠ
Schools should be helping them figure that out… but apparently it’s up to us. #homeschoolingREALshit

https://markmanson.net/values/personal-values-guide
Perhaps you donât even know what your own personal values are. Itâs okay, just figure it out now by using above guide. It helps you understand why certain situations piss you off more than others.
By teaching yourself, then you can assist the kids; and your spouseđ.
We are all teaching our kids the COST of their decisions even while toddlers; without even realizing it. Teaching them the consequences of their actions. They will still have to make bad choices to learn, but maybe they will be less harsh.
However, I think with teenagers, we want to teach them the consequences BEFORE they actually make the decision. Then they wonât ponder âwhat would happen if I did this?â Example: âWill my mom lose her shit if I say this? Letâs try it….â

Thinking of my shenanigans as a 13 and 14 year old has resulted in my having some minor panic stricken moments…

Now I am no expert, and yes, I think Mark Manson is brilliant.
However, one source of knowledge that I possess that @markmanson doesnât have is…offspring.
I have experience with my kids. The vulnerability of loving someone so much that you created and you are 100% responsible for; that is some real, hardcore shit. Parenting ainât no joke.

Before I had kids, I believed âKNOWLEDGE IS POWER.â
Post kids belief, âAPPLIED KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.â
You can know everything, but if you don’t use it, what’s the point?

I hate when people expect me to read their mind. Iâm not a fan of those work emails that are vague, and sent as a blanket to the whole department addressing someoneâs mistake (usually mine) or George Costanza.
Example: “Please remember to not have sexual intercourse on your desk.â (That was wrong? Should I not have done that?)đ
Then everyone becomes paranoid, âDid I do that? I didnât know we couldnât have sex on our desk?!â
I would prefer my boss to address my screw up personally in 10 words or less; then give me the consequences.
It sucks at first but I wonât ever make that mistake again. Then move on. The rules are in the handbook. No need to involve everyone. Sheesh.
I see this a lot with my kids. When I am not being clear or specifically asking them what I want them to do; this results in big arguments and they find loopholes. Their eyes glaze after about 10 words. So I attempt to count the words prior to addressing them.
1.) If 2.) You. 3.) Want 4.) Money 5.) You 6.) Have. 7. ) To 8.) Do 9.) These 10.) Chores


Clear concise consequences stated before the decision. There is no âI didnât know.â
Now I am aware of the other loopholes that I would have also used with my parents, âYou said no alcohol! You didnât say anything about weed or his moms prescription Xanax.â
That is where going with your gut and personal values comes in. Does it feel wrong? Then it probably is. Haven’t we all ignored that signal?

Last summer, we both told our kids that if they are in a situation that feels wrong; call us and we will pick them up…no questions asked. If they want to talk about it, they can, when they are ready. Also, they also wonât be in trouble for telling the truth.


This year, my kids have been in situations that seemed like they were not a big deal to me (their friend said or did something they didnât like or it felt wrong) and they came home early or asked us to pick them up. I realized, to them, it is ALL a big deal.


Dealing with peer pressure is difficult, even as an adult. When you do stand up for what you believe or stick with your decision; it stings like a mfer when your âfriendsâ provide you with their backlash for your smart decision. Misery loves company.


Teaching your kids/teens the crabs in a bucket metaphor helps them have a visual. The metaphor of someone pulling you back down âstay here and be miserable with me.â It tough time find a video of crabs in action so I edited one I found from you tube. https://youtu.be/UJdtaaDOkEo


Bad habits as adults=Anything After 2am is usually a bad decision. This is where those last two dranks throw you over the edge; leading to a massive hangover, bad choice or blackout. Past 2am is where you may have beer goggles and hook up with someone thatâs a âfull-on Monetâ..đđ»






