In one ear, out the other

Do your life lessons sound more like a lecture to them?

Greg Crawford
March 29, 2025

Do you ever feel like your kids tune you out every time you try to teach them a life lesson?

You sit them down, drop some solid gold wisdom, and they respond with a “Yeah, yeah, I know” before getting distracted or walking off.

It’s frustrating, right?

Plus you start to sound like your own parents.

As parents, we’re trying to raise good humans

…kids who know the value of hard work, integrity, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.

But modern distractions and outside influences make it feel like we’re losing ground.

Here’s the thing: There’s a better way to teach lessons & values—one that actually sticks.

And is fun.

And it’s been hiding in plain sight this whole time.

Here’s the secret: Kids naturally absorb life lessons through stories.

Think about it—how did YOU learn about bravery, sacrifice, or resilience as a kid?

Was it a long-winded lecture from your dad?

Nope.

It was probably from movies like The Karate Kid or Star Wars, books like Hatchet, or even your own experiences on the playground.

Stories work because they show instead of tell.

They let kids see characters struggle, fail, and overcome—without you having to lecture them.

Jesus himself taught through stories and parables. (By design)

The problem?

Most parents don’t use this to their advantage.

Instead, we do what comes naturally—we talk, and they tune out.

But if you use stories as your delivery system, kids will internalize the lessons on their own

—without feeling like you’re forcing anything on them.

So, how do you actually make this work?

In your corner,

Greg

P.S. If you subscribe to my channel and comment “Movies” on this video, I’ll send you my top 10 movies for teaching life lessons.

or to participate.