The Myth of the Teachable Moment

TL;DR: they’re all teachable

We’ve all had the feeling of experiencing something with our kids around, only to later realize “damn, that would have been a great teachable moment.” We fixate on what we should have said or could have done, to teach them an important lesson and show what great parents we are. It feels amazing when we get the chance to flex our best selves in front of our kids. But the reality is those grand gesture opportunities are very few and far between. And it’s in those gaps that the actual teaching is happening. I promise your kids are much more influenced by how you are in everyday interactions with people at the grocery store and during school dropoff and pickup. They are watching on your best days, but they also see you on annoying/tiring/long/depressing days. 

This picture has been on my fridge for about 10 years (RIP Totspot): “Today is the day childhood our kids will remember.” It’s a simple reminder to stay in the present, where the real magic happens.