Teachable Moment Gone Awry

Did you ever stumble upon one of those "teachable moments" and jump at the chance to teach your kids a valuable lesson only to have your magical vision of light bulbs and Hallejuah choruses shattered??  That happened to me this morning with my ever-so-quick-witted Emily.

My current torture device of choice

My girls do not like coats.  they complain about how coats are hot (ironic, huh?) and uncomfortable.  They whine and generally resist wearing them in any way they can.  So, this morning, as we were heading out the door to preschool and I told Emily to put on her coat, she, of course, began complaining.  Our conversation went something like this:

Emily:  Why do I have to wear this stupid coat?  I hate coats!

Me:  (Seizing the opportunity) You know, Emily, there are some children who don't have a nice warm coat like you do.  When they go outside, they just have to be cold.  Isn't it nice that you have such a warm and cozy coat.

Emily:  No!  I hate coats!

Me:  Well, like I said, some children don't even have a coat because their mommies and daddies don't have enough money to buy them one.  When they go outside and feel how cold it is, I bet they really wish they had a nice coat like yours.

Emily:  Well, you can give them this one!!!

Me:  (Sigh) - because there was really just nothing else to say after that!



I have also joined a Blog Hop today.  If you like my blog, you might like some of these, too!!!