8 Lessons I Want My Kids to Learn Before They’re Teens

February 29, 2016

A photo posted by Kristin Cavallari (@kristincavallari) on Jan 30, 2016 at 9:05am PST

Growing up, I wish I had known that everything always works out in the end, so there’s no point in stressing. Stop worrying about the future, don’t get upset about the past; stay in the present moment. Those were all things I wish I could have done more of. The world is so small when you’re a teenager and you think that a fight with a girlfriend — or the fact that a guy didn’t call you — is the biggest deal. But, when you get out in the real world, you realize that those things are actually very small. So, it’s important to me to teach my kids how to put their problems in perspective and to try their best, then let the cards fall where they may. I also want them to know these life lessons by the time they’re teens:

1. Be honest, always. My dad rewarded honesty. If my brother and I were honest about our mistakes growing up, chances are we wouldn’t get into trouble.

2. Respect others. The old saying, treat others as you want to be treated. It’s a life lesson.

3. Use good manners. Please and thank you go a long way. Hand-written thank you cards are a lost art but always remembered. Be little gentlemen. Hold the door for others.

4. You can do anything you put your mind to. Your mind is really powerful. Happiness is a choice. Don’t ever forget that.

5. Work hard at everything you do. If you apply yourself and work hard, your efforts will pay off. No matter what you are doing, give it your best effort. If you give 100 percent, then you will never have regrets.

6. Appreciate the value of a dollar. I want my kids to learn how to work for what they want. There’s no better feeling than buying something you want with your own hard-earned money.

7. Never be afraid to be yourself. The little things that are different about you are what make you special and unique! Never dumb yourself down or shy away from shining brightly.

8. Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe this, even if at times it’s hard to know why. Try to see the lesson in everything.

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Photo: Kristin Cavallari/Instagram

Kristin Cavallari is best known for her lead roles on MTV’s hit reality shows, “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills,” as well as her 2014 stint as co-host of “The Fabulist” on E!. Her first book, Balancing in Heels, which features fitness tips, recipes, and fashion advice, will be released in March 2016.

In 2011, the 29-year-old TV personality teamed up with Shoe Dazzle to design a spring shoe, with proceeds benefiting the charity One Kid One World. The following year, her new shoe collection, Kristin Cavallari by Chinese Laundry, was born. In addition to her shoe designs, the Denver, Colorado-born Cavallari launched a jewelry line, Emerald Duv, in 2015.

From 2006 to 2009, she focused on her acting career, starring in films such as Van Wilder: Freshman Year, Green Flash, Spring Breakdown, and Wild Cherry (alongside Amy Poehler, Rumer Willis, and Rob Schneider). She also starred on Season 13 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and made guest appearances on CBS’s “CSI NY” and ABC’s “The Middle.”

Cavallari splits her time between Chicago and Nashville with her husband, Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Culter, and their three children together: Camden Jack, 3, Jaxon Wyatt, 1, and 2-month-old Saylor James.