This is a wonderful book of wisdom by Kevin Kelly, internet guru and co-founder of Wired. The parts that really stuck out to me were all about parenting and reading.
Invent as many family rituals as you can handle with ease. Anything done on a schedule —large or small, significant or silly— can become a ritual. Repeated consistently small routines become legendary. Anticipation is key.
Children totally accept —and crave—family rules. “In our family we have a rule for X” is the only excuse a parent needs for setting a family policy. In fact, “I have a rule for X” is the only excuse you need for your own personal policies.
To build strong children reinforce their sense of belonging to a family by articulating exactly what is distinctive about your family. They should be able to say with pride “Our family does X.”
We lack rites of passage. Create a memorable family ceremony when your child reaches legal adulthood between eighteen and twenty-one. This moment will become a significant touchstone in their life.
For the best results with your children spend only half the money you think you should but double the time with them.
Reading to your children regularly is the best school they will ever get.
To be remarkable, read books.
Expand your mind by thinking with your feet on a walk or with your hand in a notebook. Think outside your brain.
Buy used books. They have the same words as the new ones. Also, libraries.
I’m glad that I borrowed this book for the Toronto Public Library.
Published: May 14, 2024
Last Modified: Jul 11, 2024
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