Parenting Teachable Moments

Our children see us, watch us, judge us, and on a rare occasion, listen to or hear us.

Our best teachable moments are how we act:

While driving

While checking out at a store

While on the phone to discuss a bill, credit card, etc.-hard time understanding

When you make a mistake

When you speak to others face to face

When you are watching sports on TV

When you are at your computer

When you are at the airport, on a plane

When you are out to dinner

When you are exhausted, frustrated, etc.

When you are wrong

When you lose an argument

When you are interacting with your spouse/partner

When it is time to vote

When you get pulled over by a police officer

When you are in a traffic jam

When someone cuts you off

When someone yells at you

When someone flips you off

When someone tailgates you

When you are at work

When you are doing a business deal

When you are at home

When you come home from work

At breakfast, lunch or dinner

When you are trying to assemble something or fix something

When you can’t find your keys

When you are speaking about other people

When you are sick

When you are given too much change in the store

When you scrape someone else’s car and they are not there

When plunging a toilet

When interacting with pets

IN OTHER WORDS—ALL THE TIME!

Here are some things to think about in being a role model to your children:

What your habits are with cyberspace and media?

What your relationship is with any and all substances of all kinds?

c. Rick Concoff, M.A. 2011