I think that the only way to teach is by example, as children will more easily follow what they see you do than what you tell them to do.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I think the way kids learn most is not by what you say, but by what you do.
'What can your kids teach you?' Well, I believe something different about kids. We don't own them, they have their own knowledge. From the start you have to make the choice to listen.
I think it's easiest to teach by example. My dad didn't tell us to work hard; we just saw how hard he worked. I know I have shortcomings - like a short fuse - but I've learned you can't come home from a long day of work and snap at the kids.
At my age, you are naturally inclined towards teaching.
The worst mistake you can make with children is to talk to them in a condescending, patronising way and think that you can teach them something. You have to understand that it is you who will be learning from them. You have to get into their world and see things from their perspective.
You stay teachable most by reading books. By reading what other people went through.
As a former board member for Teach For America, I understand that every child has the ability to learn and that, no matter their circumstances at home, we have a duty and a responsibility to educate them and to do it well.
When I ask teachers why they teach, they almost always say that it is because they want to make a difference in the lives of children.
We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.
I think the best thing you can teach a person is how to learn. And once they discover their own individual approach to that - which is inside all of us - then all of a sudden, they've opened up a door of endless resources.