One day they’ll leave home. Make sure they take your words with them.
The teenage years are flying by.
One minute you’re driving them to elementary school. The next, you’re looking at graduation dates and realizing how little time is left under one roof.
You want to stay close. You want them to remember they’re loved. But real conversations get squeezed out by sports or school or friends or work.
You feel the clock ticking, but you don’t have a simple plan for using the time that’s left.
A simple weekly habit that changes everything.
A few years ago, I realized I was mostly hoping connection would happen naturally. So I started sending each of my teens one intentional message every week.
Sometimes it was a text. Sometimes an email. Sometimes a voice memo.
Not long. Not perfect. Just a simple way to stay connected amid the busyness of teenage life. Before They Leave is the exact framework I’ve used for more than 150 consecutive weeks.
One short message a week about friendship, confidence, disappointment, money, gratitude, family, and the everyday moments that shape a life. [See 100+ real message topics here.]
And one unexpected benefit: by the time your child leaves home, they’ll have a collection of your stories, wisdom, encouragement, and reminders that they were deeply loved.
I can’t think of a better gift to leave behind. (Though my kids would probably vote for cash.)
Choose Your Version
Playbook
$ 19
Per MonthLearn the system and write your own weekly messages.
- Full LIFT framework
- Real message examples
- 75+ topic ideas
- 4-week starter plan
Complete KitMost Popular
$ 39
Per MonthThe easiest way to start and stay consistent.
- Everything in the Playbook
- 52 ready-to-customize messages
- Quick reference guides
- 52-week tracker
Ultimate Kit
$ 64
Per MonthTwo full years of messages & less guesswork.
- Everything in Complete Kit
- 52 Year-Two messages
- Wider range of topics
- 104 total messages
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the Playbook if:
You like writing, want full creative control, and feel confident you’ll sit down each week and come up with something meaningful to say.
Choose the Complete Kit if:
You want the simplest way to get started and the best chance of actually sticking with it. This is the best fit for most parents.
Choose the Ultimate Kit if:
You want to remove the guesswork for the next two years, especially if your teen is older and you want deeper messages for the road ahead.
Option 1:
The Playbook — $19
Before They Leave: A Simple Weekly Practice to Stay Connected to Your Teen Through the Years That Matter Most
This is the core system.
It gives you everything you need to understand the weekly message habit and begin using it in your own way.
What’s Inside
- The full LIFT Framework: LOVE, INQUIRE, FOSTER, and TEACH
- A deeper explanation of when and why to use each kind of message
- Real examples with commentary
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Guidance for different ages, personalities, and family situations
- A 4-week starter plan
- Fill-in-the-blank templates
- 75+ topic ideas organized by pillar
Perfect If You:
- Enjoy writing
- Want to create your own messages
- Want the framework without needing done-for-you content
Option 2:
The Complete Kit — $39
Everything in the Playbook, plus the tools that make this habit much easier to sustain.
This is the best place for most parents to start.
Because the biggest challenge is usually not caring. It’s figuring out what to say each week—and actually following through.
What’s Included in Addition to the Playbook
52 Ready-to-Customize Weekly Messages
A full year of pre-written messages you can personalize and send.
These are organized around the LIFT framework, so you can choose the kind of message your teen needs most:
- LOVE for reassurance, belonging, and warmth
- INQUIRE for curiosity and deeper understanding
- FOSTER for encouragement, resilience, and confidence
- TEACH for life lessons, values, and practical wisdom
Topics Include
- Money and financial literacy
- Anxiety and mindset
- Sports and competition
- Resilience and struggle
- Values and character
- Family relationships
- Identity and future
- Fun, lighthearted connection
Detailed Prompts for Every Message
Each one helps you make the message feel personal, natural, and true to your voice.
Quick Reference Guides
Find the right message by pillar or by topic.
52-Week Message Tracker
A simple spreadsheet to help you stay balanced, spot patterns, and keep going.
Perfect If You:
- Want the easiest way to start
- Don’t want to stare at a blank screen every week
- Want to make this habit more likely to stick
Option 3:
The Ultimate Kit — $64
Everything in the Complete Kit, plus a second full year of messages for older teens.
This is the best option for parents who want to stay ahead and remove the guesswork for the next two years.
What’s Included in Addition to the Complete Kit
52 Additional Year Two Messages
A second year of ready-to-customize messages designed for older teens and the years when they are getting closer to leaving home.
These messages go deeper into topics like:
- Financial independence
- College and leaving home
- Boundaries and relationships
- Conflict and criticism
- Adult identity and purpose
- Decision-making
- Technology, safety, and judgment
Year One helps you build the habit.
Year Two helps you deepen it.
Perfect If You:
- Have an older teen
- Want two full years of messages ready to go
- Want the best value and the least friction over time
Compare the Kits
| Feature | Playbook | Complete Kit | Ultimate Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $19 | $39 | $64 |
| Full LIFT framework | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real message examples | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Year One messages | No | 52 | 52 |
| Year Two messages | No | No | 52 |
| Quick reference guides | No | Yes | Yes |
| Message tracker | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | DIY parents | Most parents | Long-term value |
Try it for 30 days.
If it’s not helpful, email me within 30 days for a full refund.
You do not need to do this perfectly.
You just need to begin.
Choose the version that fits your life, and start showing up in a small, consistent way while these years are still here.
Playbook checkout
Playbook
Playbook
$19
complete kit checkout
Complete Kit
Complete Kit
$39
ultimate kit checkout
Ultimate Kit
Ultimate Kit
$64
Need help? My playbook will help you make this time count.
Download your free chapters.
Josh Guerrieri
© 2026 Josh Guerrieri. All rights reserved.