Children are learning all the time; they are like little sponges that absorb everything. During the day, there are dozens of moments when a parent can add to that learning by bringing something to their child's attention, asking them a question, or reinforcing something they've learned before.

Taking advantage of these moments is an active approach to teaching your child. You are also passively teaching your child by being a model that they will automatically emulate. If you live a healthy lifestyle, are kind to others, and value reading, etc., your child is likely to "pick up" these habits; the same is true for more negative habits like smoking.

The real key here is to take cues from your child…for example, when they ask you to read a book, or seem especially intrigued by something (a bug on the ground, what you are cooking in the kitchen). Here is the basic premise: All of us, children and adults alike, only really learn when we are engaged, and when we see the relevance of what we are learning. It is called “internal motivation” and is an essential component to all learning. When a child asks about something, or shows interest in something, they are “internally motivated” and this opens up a prime opportunity, or “teachable moment” for learning.

Unfortunately, often children express interest at times that aren’t the most convenient…they see that bug on the way out to the car (and you’re in a hurry). If you absolutely can’t take a few moments to “teach” then try to remember the interest and recreate the moment later. For example, when you arrive back home, say, “Let’s see if that bug is still there!” Then maybe check out a book on bugs from the library, or go on the Internet to learn more.

To some degree, “teachable moments” are trial and error. It is important to take time to observe your child playing and get an idea of what interests her and how she thinks. Then, use that information to set up activities, or buy materials. For instance, if your child is not that interested in being read to, but loves dinosaurs, go to the library and get books about dinosaurs. If your child loves dolls, but is not interested in artwork, make some simple doll furniture out of cardboard and let her help paint it.

- Excerpt from “Help Me Grow”

If you have some good examples of teachable moments, e-mail us. We may post them here!