Being there for your kids - Catch Teachable Moments When They Come Your Way

Episode Date: April 26, 2019

So, so, so much to do these days. Where does the time go? How can we fit it all in? We live in an accelerated world and our kids can get caught up in it too. Times to connect meaningfully with your child might not only be a weekend camping trip. It might just only be a five-minute car ride. You're already tuned in to possible emotional fever, where you use active listening to calm your child down. Also be tuned in to teachable moments, where you have your child's ear and you can impart your wisdom. Make the most of opportunities to connect with your child, in both large and small ways.

Hi, I'm Dr. John Robinson, and this is Teachable Moments. I'd like to talk with you today about making the most of opportunities to connect with your children. A favorite book of mine back in the day was titled The Hurried Child. The notion was that our children have so much stress because they're always on the go. And I'm not just talking about hyperactive kids. With internet technology, all kinds of communication tools, plus encouraged activities such as recreational sports, scouting, church, and clubs, when can they take a breath? And when can we catch up with them? Because of all the options on and the pressure for their time and attention,

we will want to grab every teachable moment we can with our kids, making the most of opportunities with them. Dad was taking son Joey to his Little League baseball practice one late spring afternoon. Joy was eating his snack dinner in the car as they traveled there. So, my man, excited about your game tomorrow night against the pirates? Between mouthfuls, Joey shrugged his shoulder and offered, yeah, whatever, I guess. Noticing his son's mood, dad joked,

Well, now, don't be so enthusiastic, big guy. Again, Joey shrug. It's just that, I mean, Robbie's pitching, and I haven't hit him yet all season. In his best active listening form, Dad looked for a feeling. So, you're afraid he'll get the best of you again? What do you think, Joey conceded with dejection in his voice. I'll tell you what I think, son. Can I tell you?

Whatever, yeah, Joey mumbled with a mouthful. I think that what you pay attention to grows. Huh? Joey questioned. You know, focus on the positive and it will grow. Focus on the negative, and it will grow. Well, I'm positive. Robbie's going to get the best of me again.

But you don't know that because it hasn't happened yet, son. You can turn this around. Get your licks in with batting practice tonight and face Robbie in the batters box tomorrow night, just daring him to try and throw one by you. Focus on the positive and it will grow. After taking Dad's wise counsel in, Joey conceded, yeah, I'll try it.

We'll see what happens. Your teachable moments with your children do not have to be weekend camping trips, although don't rule them out. Use a five-minute car ride to connect, make the most out of all the available opportunities. I'm Dr. Jonathan C. Robinson, licensed clinical psychologist and Christian author, author of Teachable Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting, and this has been Teachable Moments. Teachable Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting, is available online at AmazonBooks.com and in local and national

bookstores. More on Dr. Robinson at TMC-P-I-N-C.com.