Several years ago, I caught Peanut (5) singing a silly childhood song about trick-or-treating, smelly feet, and underpants. (Go ahead…you know the one.)
While it tiptoes the line of being inappropriate, it’s a song kids have sung for generations because of its catchy tune and simple, sing-song lyrics. Peanut was clearly proud of his new discovery and sang it on repeat.
What caught my attention wasn’t the song itself, but what he said afterward. When I asked why he kept singing it, he replied, “Mom, I just can’t get it out of my head.”
Friends, that right there was a teachable moment.
Using Scripture to Guide a Child’s Thoughts
I responded, “Wow… that song reminds me of a Bible verse.” Philippians 4:8 immediately came to mind. I said, “Peanut, the Bible tells us what we are to think about. Whatever is __…” and he proudly filled in the blanks from memory, thanks to Seeds Family Worship CD #5.
Then I asked a simple question. “Is the song you’re singing pure, lovely, and praiseworthy?”
“No,” he answered honestly.
That opened the door to a short but meaningful conversation about what we allow into our minds. I explained that when we focus on what is true, noble, right, and pure, words and actions naturally follow. But when yucky or unhelpful ideas fill the mind, they tend to spill out through behavior and speech.
As the saying goes, what goes in is what comes out—and Scripture supports that truth. Matthew 15:18 reminds us, “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
In the grand scheme, Peanut hadn’t done anything wrong. He was just singing a catchy tune. But ignoring his comment would have meant missing an opportunity to gently guide his heart using God’s Word.
Here are two more examples for teachable moments.
Teachable Moments Through Real-Life Objects
I recently had the opportunity to review a belt from Saddleback Leather. When I opened the package, I was genuinely shocked by the quality. Peanut noticed my reaction and asked why I was so surprised.
I explained that while I own many belts, it wasn’t until I held a real leather belt—made with extreme care and craftsmanship—that I realized the others were simply imitations. There was no comparison.
That simple observation turned into a conversation about faith. We talked about how it can be easy to think a person is close to God—going to church and doing the right things—while still missing a true relationship with Him. When someone begins to truly walk with God, living by the Spirit, the difference becomes obvious, just like the difference between imitation and the real thing.
What started as a belt review became a meaningful discussion about genuine faith.
Here’s another one…
Teaching Biblical Character Through Books
Sometimes when talking with young children, the conversation leads to words that are actually abstract concepts—like bravery, kindness, or honesty. That’s why I am so thankful for quality children’s literature that puts big ideas into age-appropriate language.
The Otter B series uses an otter’s adventures to focus on biblical character traits such as kindness, honesty, bravery, and helpfulness. I appreciate that the series offers both board books and hardback editions. While the illustrations and storyline are similar, the board books use much simpler text (see image above), making hard concepts accessible for younger children.
Each set ends with a rhyme, a Bible verse, and simple play ideas or conversation starters—tools that make character training practical and engaging. Great character-training books to place under the tree for your home library or classroom! And I will be adding these books to the list of Character Training pages on the ABCJesusLovesMe website.
Seeing Teachable Moments Everywhere
These are just three examples of how everyday moments—songs, comments, objects, or questions—can become opportunities to point the child to biblical truth. When I slow down and pay attention, I find teachable moments everywhere.
And if you’re wondering—yes, Saddleback Leather truly is the real deal. If you are wanting a quality leather handbag, belt, boots…this is your place! With a 100-year warranty, this Christian, small business stands behind their craftsmanship. And if my husband happens to be reading this… I really love their leather bags for Christmas.
Thank you to FrontGateMedia, Saddleback Leather, and Otter B books for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
