Teachable moments

Don't you just love teachable moments. Those are those moments in time when you have an opportunity to teach your child something on the spot because of circumstances that arises. I love captive moments as well. All the time in the car as we are driving that a child can't escape (um, I mean benefits from your wisdom). When we wait for something to go wrong to discuss an issue, we miss out on the valuable bonding and caring time we can have with our kids. When in trouble, children put up defenses and listen little to what we say. God gets in on this as well. He loves to work together with you to drive home training. I remember one time I was having a disagreement with my 7 year old. He was convinced that he did not need to put on his seat belt just to go down the street to the 7-11. I reported to him that statistically more accidents happen within 10 blocks of our home then elsewhere. He wasn't impressed. Needless to say, I was sitting outside the 7-11 refusing to move until he put on his seat belt. My car was packed with kids who were most eager to leave. I cared not. I settled in until I heard the click. Don't you know that within one block (7-11 was only 2 blocks from our house) we got into an accident. No one was hurt and thank goodness the other driver had insurance) I can still see my son's face. It was priceless. God had arranged an object lesson for him. Never did we have a problem buckling after that. Don't forget that just because your conversation is with one child that all of them aren't listening. Tell about a teachable or captive moment that you have experienced.

Time to talk

Develop a habit in your home of talking about issues, feelings, and thoughts. It is never too early to start asking your children questions like: "Why do you think that is?", or "How do you feel about what just happened?" Train them early that you are a safe person for them to share their disappointments, anger and confusion with. Try very, very hard not to react when you hear something you want to correct. This is not the time for that! Save it for later. Talk time has to be a safe time with no fear of reprisal. If you develop this early your children will be more likely to come to you about something serious that you need to help them through. As they get older, bring up the more delicate subjects like sex, drugs and the like. They may not know these are safe topics until you give the green light. Again, it is very important that you check your body language and responses. Stay as calm as possible when you hear something that scares or shocks you. Children are more able to deal with issues then most people realize. If you have not developed this habit and your kids are older try this: Each night after they get into bed tell them they can ask any 2 questions they want. This is especially helpful if they are going through a especially difficult situation. Be as honest as is appropriate for their age. As they work through what they need to talk to eventually this will filter down to silly questions. But you will have established yourself as a safe person to talk to. Proverbs 15:23 says "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season, how good it is." A safe talking zone is very valuable and should be started immediately. Share your challenges or successes with this.

Did you know by age 13 a child's spiritual and moral foundation is pretty much set. Never has the fight for your child's soul been so great. How can RHCC Children's Ministry help?

Be Truthful

Zechariah 8:16 "Speak the truth to each other." How do we teach our children to be honest? We must model it first and formost. If you were given to much change at a store, give it back and make it a teachable moment. When you want to take a day off, don't call in sick if you aren't. They are watching, and confusion from your inconsistent behavior leads to compromise and a indifferent attitude to absolutes in your children. Of course your children must also learn to withhold information for reasons of personal safety (i.e. phone number and details about themselves on the internet etc.). Make use of every teachable moment.
Share a teachable moment where your kids caught you in a lie or caught you telling the truth. What happened? Together we can share and grow.

The Maiden Voyage of this Blog

This is the maiden voyage of this blog. The whole purpose of this blog is to give the parents of Rolling Hills Covenant Church an avenue for discussion about the ups and downs of raising spiritual children in a crazy world. I only wish it to be a launching point for support and encouragement to one another. Please join in on the conversation as we dive into the challenges we face as parents.