Thursday: Toddlers to Teens- Teachable Moments

Blogging for a week already! If I did it for a week, I think I could do it for two. You know, this is a huge milestone for me. I can rarely do anything for two days straight (I told you not to ask about my tooth brushing!) let alone a week.

Often, I leap into something, and only then do I realize just how hard it is; how I really can’t do it. Then, just when I think I’m going to snap…I reason it’s not all that hard and I can do it! (Or I realize I really can’t, but I don’t quit, and continue doing what I really can't do for no sane reason other than I hate making a fool of myself.)

But today’s blog post is not supposed to be about me, it’s supposed to be about the kids.

And they’re all about me :)

In my previous life, I was a fifth grade teacher. A good fifth grade teacher. I also had a fantastic principal who taught me much of what I know about educating children and it was she who introduced me to the concept of a ‘teachable moment’.

I was performing a science experiment and it all went wrong. I was getting increasingly frustrated and just then, my principal walked in! I was ready for a disapproving glance or something, but she surprised me big time. Walking over to my desk, she took in all my hard work which had ended in dismal failure and spoke to the class: “Girls, that’s what life’s about. You work hard, you try and you build. And every once in a while it all goes wrong. Will you be like your teacher and keep trying or will you quit? How about you journal and tell the class what you’d do and why.” And she left the room murmuring to me, ‘Couldn’t resist a teachable moment’. Later, I thanked her profusely and she explained that there are moments or situations that make the children ripe to learn a certain concept or lesson. "If it’s not on the schedule" she exclaimed, "then go off topic and utilize that moment, because it’ll have the greatest impact." 

Teachable moments come up many times at home, but oftentimes we don’t have the time, energy or focus to capitalize on the moment. 

And now for the parenting prompt of the week….

 What was one life lesson your parent taught you that you’ll never forget? Was it about the moment, the message, or the circumstance? Share your thoughts below.

 NOTE: On the post prior to this one, we have a chart made for you available for FREE DOWNLOAD so that you can encourage your kids to join our white teeth campaign. Take a picture of their teeth(try to zoom into their teeth-- the rest of the face doesn't matter now) today, and again when they're done with the chart. Email the pictures to me: slieberface@gmail.com  On Feb. 16th, 2012 we'll choose the winner. May the whitest teeth win..... A BRAND NEW BOARD GAME (winner will choose from a list of games) Get your friends to join too! Have them print the chart and get the kids on board.