6 Teachable Moments with Your Kids

Jan Lashbrook
When Calvary Christian Academy opened, we adopted Deuteronomy 6 as the foundation for our mission of making disciples. We believe strongly that discipleship begins in the home, and as parents and teachers work together to impress God’s truths on the hearts of our young Eaglets, they will be equipped to live the abundant life God has for them.

One of my favorite parenting books is Kara Durbin’s Parenting with Scripture. She talks about taking advantage of “teachable moments” with our children — the times that we use situations to dialogue with them about what’s going on in their lives–what he or she has seen, heard, or done.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road when you lie down and when you get up.” —Deuteronomy 6:6–7
We know it’s hard for busy parents recognize teachable moments when we’re rushing through life to get everything done before we drop our heads in exhaustion on our pillows at night, but she gives some great tips in her book for finding those moments to connect and disciple our children, and I’ve added a few of my own:

1. Media
Our kids need to hear God’s perspective on things they see and hear on TV, at the movies, on the internet, and in video games. Having discussions about a show from a biblical perspective using scripture helps them begin to think critically about what they take in through media.

2. Conflicts With Friends and Siblings
It takes time in the beginning, but teaching your kids biblical ways to handle conflict when they’re young will pay off later, as you see them begin to handle conflict with siblings and friends appropriately.

3. Travel Time
Parents are in the car a lot, and with a captive audience! Why not use that time to find out what’s on their heart with a good discussion-starter question? Some of our CCA families use the drive to school as their prayer time (with their eyes open!), and some sing worship songs with their kids to start the day out right.

4. Use the Positive Moments Too
Teaching moments don’t always have to be when something negative has happened. Reinforcing the positive in our kids’ attitudes or actions can strengthen their confidence and resolve to keep honoring God.

5. Use the Difficult Moments
Going through a hurricane and watching the devastation it caused among our friends and neighbors here in the United States and in the Caribbean was a stressful situation for children as well as adults. Using these moments to reaffirm our faith in God’s sovereignty and care for us can calm a child’s spirit and models faith and trust in a heavenly Father that is in control of all things.

6. Find the Right Time
Sometimes, the time isn’t right to correct a child in front of friends or in the moment; so it’s best to swing back around at a more appropriate time. I’m usually calmer if I wait a while to correct misbehavior anyway, and I have time to find the right scripture to reinforce the teachable moment.

When we pray for wisdom to help our children, God will give us the perfect time and the words to say as teachable moments come up. He loves to give good gifts to His children!

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” —Psalm 84:11
Back
  • Emly Collins
    Very useful article. There are many factors that affect the behavior of children. I did not give proper attention to raising my oldest child. Now I see my mistake, because I did not start to educate him in time and help him in his studies. He does not listen to me at all, as well as teachers, too. He became aggressive and began to lie a lot. The money I give him for dinner he spends on writing essays. This service he orders here http://writercheap.com/. His teachers think that he himself performs these tasks and he gets good grades. I tried to explain to him that this was not right and he had to do it himself, as he would continue to enter the university. Gave him read articles on this site https://www.topuniversities.com/ but it's all useless. I guess I missed the time when I had to educate him.

Similar Articles

List of 4 news stories.

  • At-Home Academics: Practical Tools for Parents

    Struggling to support your child's learning at home? Taly Morales, an elementary teacher at CCA Fort Lauderdale, understands the challenges parents face in navigating the changing landscape of education. With over 16 years of teaching experience, she offers practical strategies to empower parents to enhance their child's academic journey.
    Read More
  • Preparing for College: Dorm Room Necessities

    There are many steps when it comes to preparing your teen for independence in college. We’re here to help! This article – written by CeCe Jacob, CCA’s Alumni Relations Coordinator – will share necessary items for your teen’s first year in a college dorm.
    Read More
  • Baseball Experiences for the CCA Community at LoanDepot Park

    Get your tickets for  these two incredible events at LoanDepot Park in Miami this March! This is not only an opportunity to experience the thrill of live sports, but also a time to fellowship with other CCA families and friends as a united school community.

    Read More
  • 7 Ways to Redeem Your Morning Routine

    Ensuring your child gets to school on time can be a daily challenge, especially after losing an hour of sleep due to daylight saving time. In this article, Mrs. Tarsis Martinez – Lower School Principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood – presents a concise and actionable guide to help parents redeem their morning routine and set their children up for success in school and life!
    Read More

PROUD MEMBER OF:




Privacy & Nondiscriminatory Policies | Employment Opportunities

© 2023 CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.