Take Advantage of Teachable Moments

“The truth is that parents are not really interested in justice. They just want peace and quiet.”—Bill Cosby

Of all the roles I have taken on in my lifetime, parenting is undeniably the most difficult.

And most parents I talk to, when they are being honest, say the same thing.

All of us have core values that we would like, in theory, to impart to our children and to the other young people that are within our immediate sphere of influence.

We want, we say, many of the same things: To raise children who are honest, and responsible and kind – the kind of young people who will do what is right, even when they know no one else is looking. For many of us, we also have basic spiritual and humanitarian ideals that we want to pass down.

But the truth – as Bill Cosby humorously hints here – is that many days, when we really should be seizing those teachable moments, we choose instead to rest – to zone out in front of the television set, to check the latest sports scores on the web, or to put off those important conversations because they just feel too difficult and take too much energy.

This holiday season is prime family time for many of us. The young people in our lives, in many cases, are on break from the recreational sports, homework, school clubs and other commitments that often fill their days – and keep us rushing.

Parenting matters – not just today but for generations to come.

So, in those moments, when you are tempted to opt for peace and quiet, we encourage you to take the time, first, to take advantage of teachable moments. They won’t, after all, be available to us forever.