Teachable Moment

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”  ~ James Baldwin 

 

Life provides a multitude of teachable moments, both for ourselves and for those children we parent and/or mentor.  And of these moments, there are many that deal with handling different types of adversity.  Some of the toughest of these are trying to provide perspective to our children about those situations where adults who are supposed to be role models are acting -- well, like children.

 

Such a moment occurred this week when adults, who were organizing a horse show that attracts many children and teenagers,  decided to not allow certain children to attend because of a perceived disagreement with other adults.  The children, understandably disappointed, received a first hand example of how some adults can regress into childish pettiness.  This sad situation, however, turned into a  teachable moment, showing the children that regardless of how others act, those actions cannot take away from oneself and that one can rise above the actions of others. These momentary disappointments pave the way to far greater opportunities.

 

Out of this sad episode, came a shining opportunity to teach the next generation an early lesson in resilience and the grace that comes out of adversity. These wonderful kids, lesson learned, are happily preparing for their next show, where they will truly shine.