August 25, 2025 - by Isaac Abrahams Parenting Notes, Uncategorized

By Adrian Stubbs – Podcast Manager, Parents Under Construction Parenting is full of teachable moments—some planned, most unexpected. In this two-part conversation, Mike and Dr. Ed West unpack what it means to see teaching as a daily, God-given role, not just something we do in formal moments. From midnight laundry mishaps to life-and-death lessons in the ER, they remind us that God calls parents to be present, consistent, and ready to impart wisdom in every season. https://www.youtube.com/embed/kAVAebIMUVc https://www.youtube.com/embed/o7moF5jUdQk Why This Conversation Matters We often think of “teaching” as a schoolroom activity or a planned devotional. But in God’s design, teaching

happens in the everyday: in the car on the way to school, in the kitchen before breakfast, or even at 3:00 a.m. when the washer’s rattling. As Dr. West points out, “We’re always teaching… we might be teaching the right thing or the wrong thing, and we might not even know we’re doing it.” The Bible commands parents to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). That instruction isn’t limited to big lessons—it’s also woven into how we respond in frustration, how we model self-control, and how we help our children process consequences. Main

Insights 1) Teaching is More Than Instructing Instructing is telling a child what to do. Teaching is helping them truly receive and understand the lesson. Dr. West explains, “Teaching means there’s a change happening… it’s not what I do, it’s what happens in you.” That means slowing down, noticing if the child is teachable in that moment, and being willing to practice until the lesson takes root. “If I say it and you don’t do it, I don’t have anywhere else to go until I say it and you do it.” 2) Lessons Often Come Through Consequences Whether it’s a

child acting out in church because they missed breakfast or a teenager in the ER after drinking, consequences can be powerful teachers. Instead of piling on punishment, Dr. West often looks for ways to help the child reflect on their choices. As he puts it, “I didn’t make you suffer—this is your stuff. It’s a consequence of what happens to you.” 3) Patience and Presence Go Hand in Hand Teaching requires staying with a child through their struggles, much like God stays with us. Jonah’s story reminds us that God will keep sending us back to Nineveh until our hearts

are aligned with His will. As parents, our presence can encourage perseverance and growth, even on bad days. Practical Ways To Put This Into Practice Try This Today Notice your next unplanned “teachable moment” and respond calmly, even if you’re frustrated. When giving an instruction, watch to see if it’s truly received—and repeat the practice until it is. Help your child connect the dots between their choices and the outcomes, without shaming. Conversation Starters With Your Kids “What’s something you learned today without anyone planning to teach it to you?” “Can you think of a time when a hard situation

actually helped you grow?” Scripture To Sit With “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) “My peace I give to you.” (John 14:27) “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Final Encouragement Teaching as a parent isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence and purpose. The Lord equips us for this role, offering His joy, peace, and patience when ours run thin. Every small moment matters. Whether it’s catching a child’s eye in the car or sitting with them in a tough consequence,

you are shaping a heart and a life for God’s glory. Listen to the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAVAebIMUVc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7moF5jUdQk