Teachable Moments

Hello and welcome to Beauty, the no-frills, no-nonsense podcast where we talk about all things beauty. True beauty. God’s beauty. I am your host and Lemongrass Spa consultant, Deanna, and today we are going to talk about eavesdropping. Yes, eavesdropping. Here me out. I had carpool duty last week for baseball and when you have three teens in your car, you take advantage of it. They always ask to go somewhere after practice and I will say yes as many times as I can - for two main reasons. First, because I won't have carpool duty too much longer. Whether I like to admit it or not, these boys will be driving themselves pretty soon. I want to take advantage of the time I have now and help them create memories. Second, it allows me a little more opportunity to invest in them. As we talk, I listen for a teachable moment and I walk through the door. We've covered leadership and emotions. We've talked about school and weightlifting. We've even talked about the importance of rinsing the toothpaste out of the sink. I don't need their full attention for a 30-minute spiel. I need a burger or some ice cream and sentence or two to make them think... ...maybe it is a good idea to rinse the sink after I brush my teeth, or to listen to that teacher, or to study for a test, or to not stress about a situation. I never thought I'd be old enough to say, "these days," but these days are vastly different from the days of my teenage years. Kids have so many voices speaking into their lives. I just want to be one of them, and I want to give them nuggets of truth they can hold on to and retrieve at just the right time. The other day, Gav shared a story about a teacher who asked the class what their goals were for high school. One classmate said she was hoping to stay out of the psych ward. Gav was appaled by that statement - and why wouldn't he be appaled? He is a "normal" kid. He doesn't struggle with mental health. He has a good, supportive family. This was a teachable moment. I first told him everyone needs goals and trying to stay out of the psych ward is a goal for some people. To be very honest, some days, my goal is to not have a mental breakdown, so I connected with this story. I get that girl. I get her goal. But Gav didn't, so I continued. I didn't give him a speech he wouldn't remember. I simply reminded him that mental health is a real thing, not to be joked about. I encouraged him to ask questions and show a little more grace and left it at that. I don't know what his developing brain registered, but I am confident he'll pull that conversation up the next time the topic arises with his friends. I'm hopeful he will have a word of encouragement for someone the next time he hears about a struggle he may not understand. That he will ask questions and learn, and that he would be willing to offer help - even if that is an offer to pray. No, especially if that offer is to pray. It is a beautiful thing when we are brave enough to be simple and honest with our kids. When we resist the urge to do more and say more. And when we equip them to use their own brain to make the world a better place. I cherish carpool days - even with gas prices over $4/gallon and McDonald's bills of $30. The benefits of time invested into young minds far outweighs a few bucks. What are the teachable moments you treasure? D 🙂 Alright, speaking of simplicity, let me tell you about our new Facial Cleansing Milk. This is cleanser that is gaining in popularity since being introduced a month or so ago. If you've been around long, you know I always preach the two essential facial products - cleansers and moisturizers. If you don't use anything else, just use a cleanser and a moisturizer (please!). So, if you're looking for a light, gentle cleanser, this Facial Cleansing Milk just might be your answer! Get full access to Shining.Our.Light at deannakohlhofer.substack.com/subscribe