About
366 daily reflections drawn from the Analects of Confucius, written for parents raising young children. Each day brings a quote, a short reflection, a practice to try, and a closing prayer.
Ancient wisdom for modern parenting — one day at a time.
Ways to Use It
📖 Morning reading
Start your day with the quote and reflection. Let it sit before the busyness begins.
📝 Journaling prompt
Write about how the teaching connects to your parenting today.
👨👩👧 Activity with your child
Each day includes a simple practice you can do together.
📧 Daily email
Get each reflection in your inbox. Subscribe here
The Story Behind It
This project began with the birth of Justin Oliver on February 2nd. In Chinese tradition, the first year of life is especially significant. What better way to honor this milestone than with a year of wisdom?
The Analects has guided parents and educators for over two millennia. Its teachings on filial piety, self-cultivation, and the art of living together offer timeless guidance for anyone raising children.
Why Confucius?
Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a teacher and moral philosopher whose core ideas speak directly to the heart of parenting:
- Filial piety — honoring family bonds
- Self-cultivation — continuous growth
- Ren — caring for others with empathy
- Li — routines and rituals that express respect
- Learning — the joy of becoming
12 Months, 12 Themes
- 1. Joy of learning
- 2. Family bonds
- 3. Humaneness
- 4. Ritual & form
- 5. Speech & truth
- 6. Friends & teachers
- 7. Self-cultivation
- 8. Responsibility
- 9. Mistakes & growth
- 10. Joy & culture
- 11. Time & legacy
- 12. Hope & transmission