Teaching Moments and Our Kids

A moment of educational opportunity: a time at which a person, especially a child, is likely to be particularly disposed to learn something or particularly responsive to being taught or made aware of something.

I sometimes think that one of the most challenging and important skills of being a dad is my ability to recognize and capitalize on teachable moments.

We as parents should always be on the lookout for “teachable” moments to reinforce life lessons, morals, ethics and safety skills.

If an incident occurs in your community and your child asks you about it, speak frankly but reassure them that they are safe.

Explain to your children that you want to discuss the safety rules with them, so that they will know what to do if they are ever confronted with a difficult situation.

Make sure you have “safety nets” in place, so that your children know there is always someone who can help them.

Dr. Steven Carr Reuben, the author of CHILDREN OF CHARACTER – Leading Your Children to Ethical Choices in Everyday Life, offers

1. Recognize that your children often learn moral lessons unconsciously, in casual moments.

2. Be aware of situations that represent moral choices.

3. Talk with your children about the ethical challenges represented in everyday situations, the media and popular culture.

4. Praise your children for their ethical choices.

5. Point out ethical behavior in others.

6. Let your children see your own thought processes regarding ethical decisions.

~ a concord carpenter