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Teachable Moments: Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith
Nationally syndicated columnist and media advisor on all things parenting, Marybeth Hicks outlines the overarching issues and objectives in using daily encounters with the culture to impart the values and virtues of Christianity. Through entertaining and instructive questions and answers, she provides concrete examples of teachable moments that will ring true for every family.
Never have Christian families been so challenged by the world around them to instill and instruct their children in the tenets of their faith. Moral relativism literally seeps into every facet of family life and saturates our popular culture. A ubiquitous media presence that defines our daily experience also is defining the attitudes and behaviors of those who consume it. Yet within this pervasive secular culture, Christian families encounter “teachable moments,” those unplanned but unmatched opportunities to put their faith into action and live out the values and virtues embodied in Jesus Christ. When looking for teachable moments, parents, and coaches must approach each day with intentionality, seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities to incorporate life lessons into every day experiences amid the culture.
Teachable moments might be as simple as incorporating values about empathy and compassion in young friendships, or as complex and consequential as understanding the nature of the culture’s destructive messages about human sexuality. They might present themselves in song lyrics, teacher’s comments, television shows, social media interactions, and current events. Most certainly, teachable moments emerge in parenting decisions, family relationships, school situations, and in opportunities for freedom and responsibility.
Teachable Moments outlines the overarching issues and objectives in using daily encounters with the culture to impart the values and virtues of Christianity. Through entertaining and instructive questions and answers, author Marybeth Hicks provides concrete examples of teachable moments that will ring true for every family.
Never have Christian families been so challenged by the world around them to instill and instruct their children in the tenets of their faith. Moral relativism literally seeps into every facet of family life and saturates our popular culture. A ubiquitous media presence that defines our daily experience also is defining the attitudes and behaviors of those who consume it. Yet within this pervasive secular culture, Christian families encounter “teachable moments,” those unplanned but unmatched opportunities to put their faith into action and live out the values and virtues embodied in Jesus Christ. When looking for teachable moments, parents, and coaches must approach each day with intentionality, seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities to incorporate life lessons into every day experiences amid the culture.
Teachable moments might be as simple as incorporating values about empathy and compassion in young friendships, or as complex and consequential as understanding the nature of the culture’s destructive messages about human sexuality. They might present themselves in song lyrics, teacher’s comments, television shows, social media interactions, and current events. Most certainly, teachable moments emerge in parenting decisions, family relationships, school situations, and in opportunities for freedom and responsibility.
Teachable Moments outlines the overarching issues and objectives in using daily encounters with the culture to impart the values and virtues of Christianity. Through entertaining and instructive questions and answers, author Marybeth Hicks provides concrete examples of teachable moments that will ring true for every family.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 5, 2014
To be honest, I am conflicted in how to review Marybeth Hick’s most recent book Teachable Moments. When I accepted the review, I recognized the name although I was not completely sure why I recognized it. Hicks is a media columnist for various Fox News programs, generally commenting on topics such as media, parenting and culture. To this end, Hicks, in our media-statured culture, is therefore qualified to write a book on media, parenting and culture. As one who is a parent and spends a great deal of time engaging media and culture, I launched into the book with excitement. Unfortunately, for me, the excitement did not last long.
I still know almost nothing else about Hicks, such as why she is considered qualified to author a book on media, parenting and culture other than being a parent of four children. I do not run in social circles that watch Fox News. [I feel the need to qualify the rest of my remarks. Neither do I get my news from CNN. I get my news from the WSJ, the NYT and HP.] This, then, is why I find myself conflicted on how to offer this review. On one hand, I was less than impressed with the book. I found myself scratching my head, shaking my head and simply dropping my head at several points. On the other hand, I can see how the ultra-politically, religiously, educationally and culturally conservative segment of society would rave about this book.
In terms of criticism, I have three major points of concern with Hicks’ book. First, Hicks routinely confuses conservative Christian doctrine, classical Greek philosophy and traditional American values as equal instructional material. Bible verses are pulled from their context and massaged to fit Hicks’ goals. This stems from Hicks seeing the Bible as simply an educational compendium that serves to teach us how to live ethically. The ironic thing is that she does not use passages that actually deal with parenting, teaching or culture (i.e., Prov. 2-8; 1 Cor. 8; Eph. 6). Instead, she uses passages that deal with Jesus talking about economics to discern how parents can teach their children about buying video games.
Second, examples are too specific. Each chapter contains ten “teachable moments” scenarios that Hicks believes are relatable to parents. On a positive note, the scenarios are quite diverse in terms of the ages of the children involved, the scenarios that the children are involved in, and how parents can address the situations. On a critical note, however, I found the scenarios to be too specific. Readers may be led to think that their child may not run into certain situations, such as dealing with sexuality or handling finances, until they reach a certain age. However, only those who live in the cultural bubble that Hicks lives in will believe this. Our culture is constantly changing, and parents must always be ready to engage any and all situations.
Third, her approach to dealing with media is more reactive than proactive. I think this is what bothered me most of all. Hicks works under the assumption that parents have no idea how to be proactive in engaging culture (or, perhaps, that parents should be as culturally-naïve as she appears to be). As a result, parents who follow Hicks’ model will always be scrambling behind their kids in order to keep up with their Facebook posts and Xbox Live accounts. Instead, a more appropriate approach to parenting, in my opinion, would be to be in constant conversation with our kids about media and culture and allow them a bit of supervised freedom as they make decisions. It gives them a certain amount of responsibility while still keeping the parent(s) involved.
Again, I realize that there are those who will absolutely adore this book. For those who read this review, I apologize for not enjoying it as much as you will. For you, I would give this book a rating of 4/5. You will find her approach helpful (especially her curriculum at the end of each of chapter), and you will feel more involved in your child’s life (although you will constantly be frustrated and often find yourself on the losing side). For those of you who were curious about my opinion without investing in the book, I give it a 2/5 for the reasons I mentioned above.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and was asked to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I still know almost nothing else about Hicks, such as why she is considered qualified to author a book on media, parenting and culture other than being a parent of four children. I do not run in social circles that watch Fox News. [I feel the need to qualify the rest of my remarks. Neither do I get my news from CNN. I get my news from the WSJ, the NYT and HP.] This, then, is why I find myself conflicted on how to offer this review. On one hand, I was less than impressed with the book. I found myself scratching my head, shaking my head and simply dropping my head at several points. On the other hand, I can see how the ultra-politically, religiously, educationally and culturally conservative segment of society would rave about this book.
In terms of criticism, I have three major points of concern with Hicks’ book. First, Hicks routinely confuses conservative Christian doctrine, classical Greek philosophy and traditional American values as equal instructional material. Bible verses are pulled from their context and massaged to fit Hicks’ goals. This stems from Hicks seeing the Bible as simply an educational compendium that serves to teach us how to live ethically. The ironic thing is that she does not use passages that actually deal with parenting, teaching or culture (i.e., Prov. 2-8; 1 Cor. 8; Eph. 6). Instead, she uses passages that deal with Jesus talking about economics to discern how parents can teach their children about buying video games.
Second, examples are too specific. Each chapter contains ten “teachable moments” scenarios that Hicks believes are relatable to parents. On a positive note, the scenarios are quite diverse in terms of the ages of the children involved, the scenarios that the children are involved in, and how parents can address the situations. On a critical note, however, I found the scenarios to be too specific. Readers may be led to think that their child may not run into certain situations, such as dealing with sexuality or handling finances, until they reach a certain age. However, only those who live in the cultural bubble that Hicks lives in will believe this. Our culture is constantly changing, and parents must always be ready to engage any and all situations.
Third, her approach to dealing with media is more reactive than proactive. I think this is what bothered me most of all. Hicks works under the assumption that parents have no idea how to be proactive in engaging culture (or, perhaps, that parents should be as culturally-naïve as she appears to be). As a result, parents who follow Hicks’ model will always be scrambling behind their kids in order to keep up with their Facebook posts and Xbox Live accounts. Instead, a more appropriate approach to parenting, in my opinion, would be to be in constant conversation with our kids about media and culture and allow them a bit of supervised freedom as they make decisions. It gives them a certain amount of responsibility while still keeping the parent(s) involved.
Again, I realize that there are those who will absolutely adore this book. For those who read this review, I apologize for not enjoying it as much as you will. For you, I would give this book a rating of 4/5. You will find her approach helpful (especially her curriculum at the end of each of chapter), and you will feel more involved in your child’s life (although you will constantly be frustrated and often find yourself on the losing side). For those of you who were curious about my opinion without investing in the book, I give it a 2/5 for the reasons I mentioned above.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and was asked to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 12, 2014
Marybeth Hicks in her new book, “Teachable Moments” published by Howard Books gives us Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith.
From the back cover: Never have Christian families been so challenged by the world around them to instill and instruct their children in the tenets of their faith. Moral relativism literally seeps into every facet of family life and saturates our popular culture. A ubiquitous media presence that defines our daily experience also is defining the attitudes and behaviors of those who consume it. Yet within this pervasive secular culture, Christian families encounter “teachable moments,” those unplanned but unmatched opportunities to put their faith into action and live out the values and virtues embodied in Jesus Christ. When looking for teachable moments, parents, and coaches must approach each day with intentionality, seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities to incorporate life lessons into every day experiences amid the culture.
Teachable moments might be as simple as incorporating values about empathy and compassion in young friendships, or as complex and consequential as understanding the nature of the culture’s destructive messages about human sexuality. They might present themselves in song lyrics, teacher’s comments, television shows, social media interactions, and current events. Most certainly, teachable moments emerge in parenting decisions, family relationships, school situations, and in opportunities for freedom and responsibility.
Teachable Moments outlines the overarching issues and objectives in using daily encounters with the culture to impart the values and virtues of Christianity. Through entertaining and instructive questions and answers, author Marybeth Hicks provides concrete examples of teachable moments that will ring true for every family.
I think the best thing a parent can do is talk with their children. We never know what is going on in their heads unless we allow them to speak and speak freely. Then, once we have learned what they are think, we need to steer them to good thinking. The best times parents have available is when the child sees something and asks a question. That is the moment to use to plant the seed of faith and moral character. It is not always easy. Ms. Hicks offers parents eight chapters of teachable moments. Do I agree with everything she offers? No, however that does not mean it is all a waste. Parents need to adapt to the moment and their child. “Teachable Moments” gives parents the tools they need to use such moments to the best outcome.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Never have Christian families been so challenged by the world around them to instill and instruct their children in the tenets of their faith. Moral relativism literally seeps into every facet of family life and saturates our popular culture. A ubiquitous media presence that defines our daily experience also is defining the attitudes and behaviors of those who consume it. Yet within this pervasive secular culture, Christian families encounter “teachable moments,” those unplanned but unmatched opportunities to put their faith into action and live out the values and virtues embodied in Jesus Christ. When looking for teachable moments, parents, and coaches must approach each day with intentionality, seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities to incorporate life lessons into every day experiences amid the culture.
Teachable moments might be as simple as incorporating values about empathy and compassion in young friendships, or as complex and consequential as understanding the nature of the culture’s destructive messages about human sexuality. They might present themselves in song lyrics, teacher’s comments, television shows, social media interactions, and current events. Most certainly, teachable moments emerge in parenting decisions, family relationships, school situations, and in opportunities for freedom and responsibility.
Teachable Moments outlines the overarching issues and objectives in using daily encounters with the culture to impart the values and virtues of Christianity. Through entertaining and instructive questions and answers, author Marybeth Hicks provides concrete examples of teachable moments that will ring true for every family.
I think the best thing a parent can do is talk with their children. We never know what is going on in their heads unless we allow them to speak and speak freely. Then, once we have learned what they are think, we need to steer them to good thinking. The best times parents have available is when the child sees something and asks a question. That is the moment to use to plant the seed of faith and moral character. It is not always easy. Ms. Hicks offers parents eight chapters of teachable moments. Do I agree with everything she offers? No, however that does not mean it is all a waste. Parents need to adapt to the moment and their child. “Teachable Moments” gives parents the tools they need to use such moments to the best outcome.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 9, 2014
This is the first book I've read by cultural commentator and author Marybeth Hicks, but I guarantee you I'll be reading her other books after readingTeachable Moments: Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith. The Howard Books release will assuredly revolutionize my parenting--and yours too, if you'll let it.
Hicks talks a lot about parenting in the moment and parenting intentionally--thinking ahead about the values, character traits and morals you want to instill in your children. She urges parents to take advantage of the unplanned and unexpected moments, using them to teach and mold our children. In fact, Hicks says that not taking advantage of teachable moments sends the opposite message--that the culture's values are okay. And in a culture that seems to lack a moral compass, that's not a good thing for Christian parents and their children.
In Teachable Moments, Hicks employs a conversational and somewhat humorous tone to illustrate a variety of situations and moments in life that parents can seize and use to develop character and faith in their kids. For each of the following areas, she takes a chapter to address 10 common teachable moments: family, media, friendship, school, sports, and the real world. In each of those chapters, Hicks gives practical examples, showing parents how to navigate moments when kids are faced with issues like suggestive music or television shows, cheating at school, bad sportsmanship, bullying, and even sexual health and education in schools.
At the end of each chapter you'll find "The Lesson Plan" which features a helpful synopsis and practical tips related to the teachable moments presented in that chapter. Overall, Teachable Moments is practical, helpful and challenging. The concepts are surprisingly simple, yet not easy. They will require time, commitment, and intentionality; however with this resource in hand, parents can learn to take advantage of those teachable moments, molding children of character and conscience while also strengthening family ties. I highly recommend this book to parents of children of all ages. It's one of my new go-to resources on parenting. Teachable Moments is definitely worth the investment, and it's one volume I'll refer to over and over again as I grow as a parent.
* Note: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
Hicks talks a lot about parenting in the moment and parenting intentionally--thinking ahead about the values, character traits and morals you want to instill in your children. She urges parents to take advantage of the unplanned and unexpected moments, using them to teach and mold our children. In fact, Hicks says that not taking advantage of teachable moments sends the opposite message--that the culture's values are okay. And in a culture that seems to lack a moral compass, that's not a good thing for Christian parents and their children.
In Teachable Moments, Hicks employs a conversational and somewhat humorous tone to illustrate a variety of situations and moments in life that parents can seize and use to develop character and faith in their kids. For each of the following areas, she takes a chapter to address 10 common teachable moments: family, media, friendship, school, sports, and the real world. In each of those chapters, Hicks gives practical examples, showing parents how to navigate moments when kids are faced with issues like suggestive music or television shows, cheating at school, bad sportsmanship, bullying, and even sexual health and education in schools.
At the end of each chapter you'll find "The Lesson Plan" which features a helpful synopsis and practical tips related to the teachable moments presented in that chapter. Overall, Teachable Moments is practical, helpful and challenging. The concepts are surprisingly simple, yet not easy. They will require time, commitment, and intentionality; however with this resource in hand, parents can learn to take advantage of those teachable moments, molding children of character and conscience while also strengthening family ties. I highly recommend this book to parents of children of all ages. It's one of my new go-to resources on parenting. Teachable Moments is definitely worth the investment, and it's one volume I'll refer to over and over again as I grow as a parent.
* Note: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
December 19, 2016
Philosophically, I agree with Marybeth Hicks pretty much 100%, so I'm inclined to like her books on that basis alone. That said, I have to admit that her tone sometimes becomes obnoxiously preachy. I was glad to see that this book does not have the same paranoid tone as Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool-Aid: Confronting the Assault on Our Families, Faith, and Freedom, but it does still project this weird sense that Hicks believes she is an expert on all children, rather than just on her own children. I like reading about real-world scenarios in parenting books, and I even like reading advice from other moms, but I think the fact that she actually scripted what to say to kids in various teachable moments went a little far. Her scripts sounded a lot like things Danny Tanner would say to his kids on Full House - artificial, fake, and insincere. I can't imagine myself speaking to anyone using the words she suggests.
What this book does well is alert parents to the situations their kids might encounter outside of the home and using technology. While many of the scenarios Hicks presents were things I have read about in the news and on blogs, others are new to me, and I appreciate being given the heads-up. The book is well-organized so readers can easily locate pertinent sections in the event that a situation arises, and it's easy to read, almost like a collection of blog posts, making it accessible for parents with busy lives to read in snippets here and there. I also think her advice is good, and sound, and that anyone who does listen to her suggestions probably won't be led astray. I just wish she could find a more palatable way to make her case, especially since her audience consists mostly of parents sympathetic to her conservative values.
What this book does well is alert parents to the situations their kids might encounter outside of the home and using technology. While many of the scenarios Hicks presents were things I have read about in the news and on blogs, others are new to me, and I appreciate being given the heads-up. The book is well-organized so readers can easily locate pertinent sections in the event that a situation arises, and it's easy to read, almost like a collection of blog posts, making it accessible for parents with busy lives to read in snippets here and there. I also think her advice is good, and sound, and that anyone who does listen to her suggestions probably won't be led astray. I just wish she could find a more palatable way to make her case, especially since her audience consists mostly of parents sympathetic to her conservative values.
August 16, 2014
Teachable Moments: Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith by Marybeth Hicks, nationally syndicated columnist and media advisor on all things parenting, is deeply insightful and instructive. While one may be tempted to criticize and condemn the book on the basis of her qualification to write such a book as this, it is pertinent to look at the book for what it is and appreciate her for what she has done.
Simply put, Teachable Moments: Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith by Marybeth Hicks is everything a parent needs to know about raising Christian kids in today’s culture. Through eight well-reached and incisive chapters she provides answers to every question a parent may have which will instill conscience, character and faith in children:
-Parenting in the Moment
-Teachable Family Moments
-Teachable Media Moments
-Teachable Friendship Moments
-Teachable Moments at School
-Teachable Moments in Sports
-Teachable Moments in the Real World
-The Moments that Matter
Teachable moments can happen anywhere. They are not hard to find. What is difficult is what and how to teach them. I certainly find this book useful, resourceful and perceptive.
Simply put, Teachable Moments: Using Everyday Encounters with Media and Culture to Instill Conscience, Character, and Faith by Marybeth Hicks is everything a parent needs to know about raising Christian kids in today’s culture. Through eight well-reached and incisive chapters she provides answers to every question a parent may have which will instill conscience, character and faith in children:
-Parenting in the Moment
-Teachable Family Moments
-Teachable Media Moments
-Teachable Friendship Moments
-Teachable Moments at School
-Teachable Moments in Sports
-Teachable Moments in the Real World
-The Moments that Matter
Teachable moments can happen anywhere. They are not hard to find. What is difficult is what and how to teach them. I certainly find this book useful, resourceful and perceptive.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews