[IncRnd]

> but I almost certainly won’t have the time nor the persuasive powers to convince a (hopefully) rebellious 7 year old that, say, grammar matters and gardening is dope. Seeking any suggestions.

Mine are grown up and have moved away, but I do have a suggestion. It's okay, and may be the best method, to just say, "grammar matters and gardening is dope," then stop talking while you gauge their reaction or listen to what they say. If all you ever do is talk with them, they will listen and talk with you.

[jkhdigital]

> then stop talking

This is so damn true… having a son has taught me that my words matter a lot, so choose them wisely and say no more than is necessary.

[BLKNSLVR]

I've always (attempted to) live my life as if my words matter to everyone. I dislike speaking for the sake of conversation because it tends to lead me to say things I don't fully mean or intend.

This came about from possibly taking this old saying too seriously:

"90% of what people say is untrue"

My childhood self didn't want to be the sort of person with that kind of pointless conversation. Combine that with something I picked up more recently:

"People don't remember what you said, people remember how you made them feel".

Choose your words carefully. Words are cheap, but their effect can be expensive.